Afghanistan vs South Africa, AFG and SA in UAE, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full score card

AFGHANISTAN CREATES HISTORY! They have beaten South Africa for the very first time in ODIs. Andile Phehlukwayo serves this full, on middle, Gulbadin Naib drills it towards mid on where the fielder fumbles a bit and allows the batters to take the winning run. AFGHANISTAN WIN BY 6 WICKETS!

Overpitched and outside off, Gulbadin Naib swings hard but cue-ends it straight to mid off. We still wait.

FOUR! SCORES LEVEL! The crowd is absolutely buzzing! Andile Phehlukwayo bangs this into the pitch again, on middle, Gulbadin Naib stands tall and smacks it over mid-wicket for another boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Gulbadin Naib pulls it away wide of deep square leg for a brace. Afghanistan one big hit away from the win!

FOUR! Powered away! The required runs are in the single digits now! Fuller in length and around middle, Gulbadin Naib backs away to create some room and blasts it down the ground past the bowler for a boundary. They can almost touch it now!

Short of a length and around off, Gulbadin Naib slaps it over mid off, the fielder chases it and slides to keep it down to just two here.

Flighted, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai keeps it out to the off side.

Goes short again, on off, Azmatullah Omarzai stabs it to covers.

Lovely bowling! Pushed through quicker, full and on off. turns away with bounce, Azmatullah Omarzai withdraws from the poke at the last moment.

Tossed up, full and on off, Gulbadin Naib drives it down to long off for a run.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai punches it through covers for a single.

Floated, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai clips it to mid-wicket.

Pitched up and on the pads, Azmatullah Omarzai glances it away to fine leg for one.

Short and wide outside off, Azmatullah Omarzai slashes at it but misses.

Fuller and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai steers it towards point. A bit of a cramp for Bjorn Fortuin after collecting the ball.

Hard length and around off, Gulbadin Naib cuts it through point for a run.

FOUR! The Afghans are in a hurry now! Back of a length and around middle, Gulbadin Naib charges down the track and shovels it away through mid-wicket for a boundary. Once again uses all his strength rather than timing. Afghanistan inching closer to history!

Short of a length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai runs it down to third man for a single.

Drags his length back again, on off, Gulbadin Naib waits for it and stabs it to short covers.

Quicker, full and on leg, Gulbadin Naib keeps it out on the pitch.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it through point for a single.

Flatter, short and on leg, Azmatullah Omarzai looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

Loopy delivery, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai prods out and fends it away.

Floated, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it out.

Fuller and on leg, Gulbadin Naib knock sit down the pitch.

SIX! TWO IN TWO! Gulbadin Naib on the charge now! Good length and around middle, Gulbadin Naib has big heave across the line, does not get it from the middle but uses all the power in his muscles to whack it over the deep mid-wicket fence for another biggie. Afghanistan needs just 23 runs to win now!

SIX! What a response! Nandre Burger serves this full but angling into the pads, Gulbadin Naib picks it up nicely and using his wrists whips it away over the deep backward square leg fence for a biggie.

Almost for Nandre Burger! He nails the yorker, on off, angles in, Gulbadin Naib fails to dig it out and the ball just goes past the stumps. Naib is on 3 off 13 and under a bit of pressure.

On a length and on middle, Gulbadin Naib once again nudges it to short mid-wicket.

Fuller and on middle, Gulbadin Naib tucks it straight to short mid-wicket.

Wiaan Mulder (5-0-16-0) is back on.

Fortuin goes full, around off. Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it into the deck wisely.

On the pads, Naib goes back and clips it to deep square leg for one.

On off, blocked to point.

Three dots on the trot. Naib gets on his front foot to this full ball, that turns back into him. Naib closes the face well and works it into the leg side.

Fuller one, around off. Naib prods and blocks it into the deck.

Shorter, angled into the right-hander. Naib fails to get a bat on it. Sliding down leg says the umpire.

This is tossed up, around middle. It gathers some extra bounce. Naib ends up chipping it towards mid on, but it lands safely. One taken.

Azmatullah Omarzai flicks this length ball to deep square leg off his pads for just a single here.

BEATEN! This is fuller, outside off. Azmatullah Omarzai prods to defend it out but gets beaten.

Markram attacks the pads with a full ball. Naib flicks it through the leg side for one.

Full, outside off. Omarzai prods and blocks it out.

SIX! BANG! It is full, outside off. This one is in the arc through. Azmatullah Omarzai frees his arms and smokes it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Quicker and flatter, on the pads. Naib gets an inside edge on his pads. Just a single coming from this one.

Quicker one, around middle and leg, turning in. Naib tries to defend it out but takes a blow on his pads. Angled down leg through.

On off, defended out watchfully.

Pitched up, on off. Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to mid off for one.

On the pads, clipped into the leg side.

Azmatullah Omarzai prods to this full ball and knocks it towards extra covers.

Gulbadin Naib is the next man in.

OUT! LBW! Aiden Markram with a huge wicket here. Hashmatullah Shahidi is unconvinced a little and takes the review. This is flatter one, around middle. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend it away but misses and takes a blow on his knee roll. The on-field decision is out. Hashmatullah Shahidi takes the review but the Ball Tracking shows three reds and he is a goner. Afghanistan lose their fourth wicket and still needs 47 runs.

Is that out? The umpire raises his finger for LBW, but Hashmatullah Shahidi takes a review. It turns out to be a waste as both UltraEdge and Ball Tracking confirms it is plumb.

Full, outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to defend it away but misses. The ball zips past the outside edge.

Floated and full, outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

It is flighted and full, on off. Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to defend it out on his front foot, but it catches the outside edge and flies towards first slip. The fielder there fumbles and drops this one.

Azmatullah Omarzai pushes this full ball into covers for one.

Tossed up, full and on off. Omarzai looks to flick it away but works it back to the bowler off the outer half.

Flighted and full, wide outside off. turning in a bit. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone for the keeper.

On the pads, tucked into the leg side for one.

Flatter one, around off. Azmatullah Omarzai defends it back to the bowler.

Flighted, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai blocks it out.

Short again, on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it towards long on for a run.

Short and around off, Azmatullah Omarzai cuts it through cover-point for a single.

Fires one full and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi offers no shot at it again.

Flighted, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai eases it to long on for one. 10 runs off the over already.

SIX! BANG! Azmatullah Omarzai goes big now! Aiden Markram tosses it up, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie. Afghans taking on the part-time spinner here.

Another short delivery, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi cuts it again through point but for just one this time.

Short and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi cuts it away wide of deep point for a brace.

Flatter, full and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi lets it go.

Pitched up, on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai clips it to mid-wicket.

On a length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai keeps it out to the off side.

Good length and on middle, angling in, Azmatullah Omarzai misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Short of a length and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai guides it away through backward point for a brace.

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Azmatullah Omarzai pushes it to covers.

Back of a length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it through covers for a single.

Drinks! Afghanistan are still in a good position and they just have to avoid being panicked. A good partnership from here and they will get home. South Africa still needs to pick up wickets and they need them in a bunch to keep the pressure on the Afghans. Also, Wiaan Mulder to bowl after the break.

Flights it up, full and on middle, Azmatullah Omarzai defends it on the front foot.

Floated, full and on off, Azmatullah Omarzai knocks it off the inside half of the bat towards the bowler.

FIVE WIDES! No, no, no! This is exactly what South Africa cannot afford to do! Bjorn Fortuin fires this one full and wildly down the leg side, Azmatullah Omarzai lets it go and Kyle Verreynne has no chance of stopping that as it rolls away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! Bjorn Fortuin strikes again! South Africa are not going anywhere without a fight here. Tossed up, full and around middle, Riaz Hassan skips down the track and tries to slog it across the line, but loses his shape and yorks himself as well, the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. A rush of blood and his innings is cut short at 16 off 35 balls. Afghanistan three down now!

Flighted, full and on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it through covers for a single.

Quicker, short again, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi stabs it back to the bowler.

Short and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi dabs it down to backward point.

On a length and on middle, Riaz Hassan pushes it towards mid off.

Pitched up and on off, Riaz Hassan knocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Wiaan Mulder serves this a bit too full, Riaz Hassan takes his front foot closer to the line of the ball, times his drive beautifully, Aiden Markram from coves gives chase, slides in but fails to stop it from going to the boundary.

Back of a length and on off, Riaz Hassan pats it down to the off side.

Fuller and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi clips it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

DROPPED! A tough chance though! Fuller and on middle, Riaz Hassan flicks it away aerially wide of short mid-wicket, Tony de Zorzi flings in the air to his right, gets a hand to it but fails to hold on to it. Great effort. A single is taken!

Drags his length back and on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi moves back and pulls it away wide of deep square leg for a brace.

Close! Pushed through quicker, short and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to cut it away but gets a bottom edge and onto the ground. Luckily for him it did not hit the stumps.

Quicker, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks it to mid-wicket.

Flighted, full and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi strides out and pushes it to covers.

Tossed up, full and on middle, angles in, Riaz Hassan works it off the inner half of the bat towards short fine for a run.

Flatter, short and on off, keeps a bit low, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back and stabs it through point for a single.

Hard length and around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi steers it through point for a single.

FOUR! Put away! Nandre Burger bangs this one into the pitch, sits up nicely for the batter, Hashmatullah Shahidi makes sure to get on top of it, rolls his wrists and pulls it away along the carpet to the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Fuller one and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi clips it away towards mid-wicket.

Short of a length and outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi offers not shot at it.

Back of a length and around off, shaping away, Hashmatullah Shahidi plays inside the line of it and lets it go.

Short ball, outside off. Shahidi drags it to point.

Tossed up, full and on middle. Shahidi sweeps it through the on side for a single. The Afghanistan skipper gets off the mark.

Shorter, outside off, turning away. Hassan mistimes it to long off for a single.

This is an arm ball, full and on leg. Hassan stays back and tucks it into the leg side.

Full, on off, pushed into covers.

BYE! It is flatter, wide of off. Shahidi lets it be. The ball goes towards backward point as it deflect off the keeper's pads. They collect a bye.

Pushed through quicker, on off, blocked.

A sharp bumper this time, on middle. Hassan wisely ducks under this one.

Good length, on top of off. Hassan stays back and pushes it into the off side.

Sharp bumper, on middle. Hassan tries to hook it away but misses.

FOUR! Short and punished. Riaz Hassan has been very patient here, and now he has started to talk with the bat here. Short ball, on the body. Riaz Hassan hangs back and pulls it over square leg. It races away to the boundary.

Good length, on top of off. Hassan stays back and blocks it into covers.

Full length, outside off, angling across, in the channel. Hassan tries to drive it through the line but misses.

Hashmatullah Shahidi comes out to the middle now.

OUT! LBW! Bjorn Fortuin gets his first wicket in his very first over. This is tossed up, full and on middle. It is dipping as well. Shah gets low and tries to sweep it away but misses it completely. The ball sneaks through and pings him on his back leg. Bjorn Fortuin and company put in a loud appeal. The umpire raises his finger after a slight delay, which leads Shah to take the review. The Ball Tracking shows three reds and Rahmat Shah is a goner here.

An arm ball, around leg. Shah tries to defend it on his front foot, but does not read it well and wears a blow on his pads.

Floated and on the pads. Shah stays back and nudges it to square leg.

Length ball, outside off. Hassan punches it to long off for one.

Darted on the pads, clipped to square leg for one.

An arm ball, full and on middle. Shah prods and tries to defend it out but misses. The ball brushes the pads and rolls out.

Back of a length, wide of off. Hassan looks to push it to point but misses.

It is a full ball, on off. Shah uses his feet and drives it brilliantly to the right of mid off. Aiden Markram gives it a chase and keeps it down to 1 run.

Fuller one, angled into the stumps. Shah gets his blade down, but works it to square leg off the inside edge.

Short one, outside off. Left alone.

A huge appeal for caught behind but the umpire shows no interest. It is a length ball, sliding down leg. Shah looks to clip it away. Kyle Verreynne gathers the ball and feels that the batter has nicked it. Lungi Ngidi joins the party as well. They take the review for the same, but the UltraEdge confirms that the bat is not involved. The on-field decision stands, and South Africa lose a review here.

Fuller one, around off, tailing back in. Shah hangs back and eases it past mid on. The batters take two runs.

Shorter, outside off. Hassan dabs it to point off his back foot.

A length ball, around off. Hassan stays back and defends it out solidly.

Shorter one, outside off. Hassan looks to chase it but misses.

Halt! Aiden Markram is having a chat with the umpire about something. Not sure what it is about, maybe about the lights or field positions. We are good to go again.

WIDE! Way fuller, wide outside off, it shapes further away and goes past the tramline outside off. Wide given.

Nandre Burger cuts the batter in half this time. It is on a good length, around off, nipping in a touch. Hassan tries to defend it out but gets beaten on the inside edge here.

Back of a length, wide of off. Shah rides the bounce this time and upper cuts it towards deep point. They cross for a single.

Good length, angling across, outside off. Shah lets it be for the keeper.

Pitched up, outside off, zags out. Riaz Hassan leaves it alone watchfully.

Full and on stump. Riaz Hassan pushes it towards mid on.

Fuller and just outside off. Rahmat Shah eases it towards deep backward point and gets a single.

Good-length delivery just outside off, on the fifth stump. Rahmat Shah gets behind the line and drives it toward cover for nor runs. The intent from Afghanistan is a bit passive, which is pretty right tactically after the fall of the first wicket.

Hard-length delivery outside off, nipping away. Rahmat Shah punches it towards cover.

Much fuller, around off, shaping away. Rahmat Shah is not interested to offer anything to it.

Full and on stump. Riaz Hassan gets forward and defends it back to the boweler.

WIDE! On a length and down the leg. Riaz Hassan looks to flick it for insurance but misses. South Africa gets a bonus run.

Another short delivery on middle. Riaz Hassan ducks under it to make a leave.

Bouncer, outside of. Rahmat Shah rides the bounce and guides it towards third man for a single.

Much fuller, but wide outside off, swinging away from the batter. Rahmat Shah lifts his willow up and offers no shot.

Pitched up, fuller outside off. Rahmat Shah shoulder arms the delivery.

Nandre Burger comes 'round the wicket and bowls on a length, just outside off. Riaz Hassan slices it towards deep backward point for a single.

Fuller and on off. Rahmat Shah pushes it towards cover for no runs. Maiden for Lungi Ngidi!

Back of a length on off. Rahmat Shah rides the bounce and punches it towards cover.

Fuller and wide outside off. Rahmat Shah makes another leave.

Drags his length back, once again, outside off. Rahmat Shah lets it travel to the keeper.

Short of a length on off. Rahmat Shah rocks back and defends it well towards cover.

Good-length delivery, in the channel outside off. Rahmat Shah offers no shot to it.

Full and outside off. Riaz Hassan gets forward to drive but the ball skids low and Hassan once again misses to connect the delivery.

On a length, pitching on middle, nipping it in. Riaz Hassan looks to nudge it but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.

BEATEN! A lot happening out in the middle! Fuller delivery on off, angling away from the batter. Riaz Hassan prods and blocks it to the front but misses on the outer edge.

PEACH! Fuller and on off, swinging it away from the batter. Riaz Hassan lets it go.

Some shape now! Back of a length on off, nipping it away from the batter. Riaz Hassan looks to push it away but misses on the outer edge.

Hard-length delivery just outside off. Riaz Hassan punches it through the cover region. The ball doesn't have enough leg to roll towards the fence. A couple taken in between.

Nandre Burger to bowl with the second new ball.

Back of a length, just outside off. Riaz Hassan cuts it towards third man and gets a single. Good start from Lungi Ngidi!

Full and outside off. Riaz Hassan gets forward and drives it towards backward point.

Rahmat Shah gets off the mark instantly here. It is a length ball, angled into the pads. Shah stays back and flicks it to deep square leg for one. First runs on the board for Afghanistan as well.

Rahmat Shah walks in at number 3.

OUT! TAKEN! Lungi Ngidi opens his account in just three deliveries! This is short of a length just outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a wild swipe across the line, but the movement away takes the outer edge and the ball balloons towards third man. It is the debutant, Jason Smith, who adjusts himself under the skier and gets the catch safe into his hands. Afghanistan lost their first one!

Length delivery, just outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches but straight to the cover fielder.

Lungi Ngidi scoots from 'over the wicket and bowls on a good length, on off and middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and defends it down to the pitch.

OUT! LBW! Rashid Khan picks up his second wicket. South Africa have been bundled out for 106 runs here. Rashid Khan comes from 'over the wicket pitches it on off and middle. It is an arm ball and Lungi Ngidi has no clue about it. Ngidi looks to nudge it but gets beaten on the inner edge and wears on the pad. The Afghans appeal hard and this time the umpire raises his finger. Lungi Ngidi opts for a review. UltraEdge shows no bat involvement and the Ball Tracking pops up as three reds.

A googly this time, around middle. Ngidi fails to pick it up and takes a blow on his front pads. Rashid Khan is asking the right questions here.

Floated and full, around leg. Burger tucks it to square leg and crosses for one. He finally gets off the mark here.

Yorker, just outside off. Lungi Ngidi jams it outside off.

Another appeal but only from the bowler this time, umpire remains unmoved! There was surely some noise from the crease but not sure if the ball nicked the outer edge! Much fuller just outside off. Lungi Ngidi looks to push at it but gets beaten on a slight outer edge. Hashmatullah Shahidi takes time and decides not to take the review.

Fullish and outside off. Lungi Ngidi gets forward and defends it towards cover.

Appeal comes round, but umpire nods his head. On a length, pitching on middle, shaping it on leg. Lungi Ngidi hops a bit and looks to flick but wears it on the upper pad.

Lungi Ngidi is the last batter to come out for the Proteas.

OUT! CASTLED! Fazalhaq Farooqi removes the last hope for South Africa! He hits the length hard this time, gets it to nip back in sharply, Wiaan Mulder stays back in his crease to block it out, but gets cut in half, and before he can do anything the ball goes between the gap of bat and pad to shatter the stumps. Mulder goes back after a fighting half-century and South Africa are 105/9!

On a length and around middle, Wiaan Mulder blocks it back to the bowler.

Another short delivery, on off, Wiaan Mulder punches it down to long off for a single and keeps the strike.

Quicker, short and on leg, Wiaan Mulder looks to work it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

MAIDEN ODI FIFTY FOR MULDER! An incredible knock under immense pressure! Fires one full and on leg, Wiaan Mulder paddles it away wide of fine leg for a brace. Mulder will want to add as many runs as possible to the South African total here.

TURN AND BOUNCE NOW! A bit quicker, shortish and around off, turns away with extra bounce, Wiaan Mulder drops his hands and leaves it alone.

BEATEN! Tossed up, full and on middle, turns away, Wiaan Mulder prods out to block but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated, full and on off, Wiaan Mulder taps it towards covers.

Drinks! Afghanistan still holds a firm grip on the game. The way they started the inning was magnificent but it all depends on how they neutralize the 9th-wicket partnership of their opposition. Wiaan Mulder is the man who is up to the mission and the Afghans need to stop this man before things get out of their hand. Nandre Burger is doing his best to not lose his wicket and he is yet to score his first run in this match.

A slower bouncer around off, Nandre Burger sways away from it.

On a length and on off, Wiaan Mulder stabs it to the right of the keeper for a single.

FOUR! 100 up for South Africa! It looked impossible for them to reach three figures at one point. Fazalhaq Farooqi bangs this short again, on middle, Wiaan Mulder stands tall and hammers it away wide of deep square leg for another boundary.

Back of a length and on middle, Wiaan Mulder punches it down to long on but denies the run.

FOUR! Brilliant shot! Short of a length and on middle, Wiaan Mulder gets on top of it and and swats it away wide of long on for a boundary. Mulder continues to fight here!

Fuller and on middle, angling in, Wiaan Mulder blocks it out down the pitch.

Change. Fazalhaq Farooqi comes back into the attack here.

A dot to end the over this time. Fuller one, on the pads. Burger tucks it to deep square leg. He has faced 16 deliveries but it yet to get off the mark here.

On the pads, Mulder tucks it towards short fine. They take a quick single here.

Fuller on off, blocked out to point.

Quicker and flatter, in the channel. Mulder waits for it, smartly opens the face late and guides it down to deep third. They take two runs. This is good running.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is full, going down leg. Mulder gets low and sweeps it to deep square leg for four runs.

An arm ball, on middle. Mulder pushes it to mid on.

Azmatullah Omarzai goes for the yorker here, but does not nail it. Nandre Burger defends it solidly from inside the crease.

Length ball, on the pads. Burger flicks it into the leg side from inside the crease.

A length ball, around off. Nandre Burger stays back and blocks it out.

Back of a length, in the channel. Burger looks to chase it but misses.

Lenght ball, around off, punched to point for one by Mulder.

A bit slower, fuller and angling towards the leg stump. Wiaan Mulder works it with the pace towards mid on.

Full and around off. Nandre Burger blocks it towards his off side for no runs.

On the pads, clipped through square leg for one.

On off, blocked.

SIX! BANG! This is not in the script for sure. South Africa need plenty of this. This is full, outside off. Mulder finally gets under this one and launches it over the long off fence for a maximum.

On the pads, Mulder tucks it into the leg side.

Pushed through quicker, on the pads. Mulder clips it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, in the channel. Nandre Burger stays back and blocks it out to point.

A bouncer this time, wide outside off. Nandre Burger lets it be.

Good length, outside off, nips in a bit. Mulder defends it towards mid on for a single.

It is pitched up, wide of off. Mulder looks to whip it away but gets it to the right of the bowler off the inner half.

Length ball, around off, blocked out solidly.

Mulder thinks about using his feet here and try to put some pressure on Azmatullah Omarzai. It is a length ball, swinging in. Mulder gets it out off the inner half.

Loops it up, full and around off. Burger stabs it in front of short leg.

Too full, outside off. Mulder drives it through covers for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, blocked out.

Quicker and fuller, on off. This one turns in a bit. Mulder goes for the wild sweep, it catches the inside edge and runs down to fine leg.

On off, blocked out.

Short one, outside off. Mulder hangs back, cuts it towards sweeper covers but is not interested to go to the other end here.

Back of a length, outside off. Burger stays back, opens the face and works it into the off side. Just a single coming from this over. A neat start for Azmatullah Omarzai.

On a fuller length, outside off. Nandre Burger leans in and tries to defend it away but does so with soft hands. The ball takes a bump and goes through the gap past first slip. No run taken.

Back of a length, wide of off. Burger hangs back and defends it out.

A length ball, sliding down leg. Mulder hangs back and clips it to square leg for one.

Back of a length this time, on top of middle. Mulder gets behind the line, hangs his blade high and blocks it back to the bowler.

Good length, around the pads. Mulder flicks it to deep square leg, but he denies the single here.

Azmatullah Omarzai joins the attack now.

Tossed up, wide of off. Burger gets on his front foot and blocks it into the deck. A wicket-maiden for Rashid Khan. Once he tastes blood, it is very difficult to stop him.

Khan with a quicker one, coming in with the angle, as he comes 'round the wicket. The ball stays very low this time. Burger gets his blade down in time and defends it just in the nick of time.

Shortish, outside off. Burger hangs back and taps it out to safety.

Floated, around the pads. Burger tries to flick it away but misses. The ball brushes his pads and rolls into the leg side.

Nandre Burger walks up to the middle.

OUT! TIMBER! Rashid Khan finds his rhythm after 5 overs and now breaks this partnership which had started to frustrate Afghanistan. A googly once again this time, but this one rattles the sticks. This one lands outside off and turns in sharply. Bjorn Fortuin tries to push it away but gets undone by this one. South Africa lose their eighth wicket.

Slower through the air, outside off, a googly as well. Bjorn Fortuin tries to sweep it away but misses it completely.

It is a full ball, on off. Fortuin drives it to mid off for one. Just two singles come from this over.

Kharote attacks the stumps here with an arm ball. Bjorn Fortuin makes some room and taps it to point.

Around off, blocked.

Quicker and fuller, on middle. Bjorn Fortuin looks to flick it away but misses. He takes a blow on his pads.

Length ball, around off. Mulder drives it through covers for one.

PEACH! Some turn this time. Kharote drifts in a full ball, around middle. The ball grips and turns away sharply. Wiaan Mulder looks to defend it on his front foot but gets beaten here.

Full one, on off. Mulder whips it through mid-wicket for a single.

Pushed through quicker, on off. Mulder gets behind the line and blocks it out watchfully.

Darted on the pads, Mulder goes back and flicks it to deep square leg for two runs.

Floated and full, on off. Mulder strides across and pushes it into covers.

Flatter one, wide of off. Fortuin defends it solidly from inside the crease.

Back of a length, outside off. Fortuin blocks it back to the bowler.

It is full, sliding down leg. Mulder drags his sweep towards short leg. No run taken, as he hits it close to the fielder there.

Fuller one, around off. Mulder knocks it into covers for one.

Floated and full, around off. Mulder pushes it to the left of the bowler. Nangeyalia Kharote dives to that side and gets a hand on it.

Quicker and shorter, on the pads. Bjorn Fortuin stays back and flicks it to deep square leg for one.

Flatter one, around off. Bjorn Fortuin eases it into the off side.

An arm ball, quicker and on the pads. Bjorn Fortuin goes back and defends it into the leg side.

What exceptional figures this is from the young Afghan spinner! 10 overs, 2 maidens, 20 runs, and 3 wickets! He completes his spell with a quicker one, angling in towards the batter. Wiaan Mulder plants his front foot and blocks it down to the pitch.

Pitched up, fuller on off. Wiaan Mulder drives it hard but finds the man in the cover region.

Fuller on off. Wiaan Mulder blocks it down.

Fuller now, on off. Bjorn Fortuin with no footwork drives it from the outer part of his willow towards vacant cover and gets a single.

Shortish, just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin eases it towards point.

Short and on middle. Wiaan Mulder punches it from the right of the bowler, towards long on for one.

Short and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin hangs back and pushes it towards cover.

Touch fuller on off. Bjorn Fortuin gets behind the line and blocks it down.

Shortish on leg. Wiaan Mulder goes deep into his crease and punches sit towards mid-wicket for a single.

Short and down the leg. Wiaan Mulder flicks it towards fine leg for no runs.

Quicker and fuller on off. Wiaan Mulder defends it outside off.

Fuller and on stump. Wiaan Mulder eases it towards his off side.

Fuller and on off. Wiaan Mulder ease it towards his leg side.

Tossed up fuller on off. Wiaan Mulder eases it abc to the bowler

FOUR! Runs are coming thick and fast from the two Proteas batters! Lower full toss just outside off. Wiaan Mulder eyes lit up and goes for a drill along the green turf through the gap of the cover region for another boundary added into his account.

Short and outside off. Wiaan Mulder pushes it outside off.

Fuller and on middle and leg. Bjorn Fortuin clips it a bit uppishly towards the right of mid-wicket region and gets a single.

Pitched up, fuller on off. Bjorn Fortuin punches it but straight to the cover fielder.

WIDE! Fuller but wide outside off. Bjorn Fortuin leaves it alone and gets a bonus run.

Touch fuller on middle. Wiaan Mulder defends it towards mid-wicket for no runs.

Short and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin hangs back and cuts it towards wide off point for one run.

Shortish on stump. Wiaan Mulder pushes it towards long on for a single.

Fuller on pad. Wiaan Mulder pushes it towards mid on.

FOUR! CRACKED! That was some shot from Wiaan Mulder! Fuller-length delivery on off and middle. Wiaan Mulder gets down on one knee and slog sweeps the delivery towards deep mid-wicket fence for four runs.

Tossed up, fuller on off. Wiaan Mulder drives it but straight to the fielder in the cover region.

Fuller and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin looks to slog sweep but the delivery stays low and gets beaten on the inner edge.

Fuller and just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin pushes it towards the cover region.

Short and just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin opens the face of his willow and eases it towards gully.

Fuller on off. Bjorn Fortuin stays back and defends it towards off side.

Much fuller on leg. Wiaan Mulder clips it towards long on and gets a single.

Fuller and on stump. Wiaan Mulder fends it down.

FOUR! Two boundaries in this over! Can South Africa build a rugged partnership from this point? Shortish and just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin makes a bit room and cracks a cut towards the left of diving deep cover-point fielder and gets another boundary in the over.

Touch fuller on off and middle. Bjorn Fortuin defends it down.

Short and on stump. Bjorn Fortuin pushes it towards cover.

Fuller on off. Bjorn Fortuin eases it outside off.

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Touch fuller just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin opens his footing and cuts it hard towards the deep point fence for an important boundary.

Tossed up fuller on middle. Wiaan Mulder slogs sweeps it towards deep square leg region for a single.

Drags his length back just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin misses on the outer edge.

Appeal once again but umpire says nothing! Fuller and angling down the leg. Wiaan Mulder looks to nudge it towards his mid-wicket but wears it on pad.

Tossed up fuller on off, turning away. Wiaan Mulder looks to blocks it down but misses on the outer edge.

Fuller and on off, spinning it away. Wiaan Mulder looks to reverse sweep but misses.

Tad fuller on off and middle. Wiaan Mulder blocks it down a bit uncomfortably.

Pitches it fuller on off and middle. Wiaan Mulder with no footwork eases it toward his leg side.

Drinks break! A much-needed one for the Proteas. They have lost 7 wickets in just 10 overs, that too in a 50-over game. Afghanistan have come out all guns-blazing, and are indicating that maybe 50-over game is their new favourite. Fazalhaq Farooqi and AM Ghazanfar were just unplayable. No one could really turn up with the bat here for South Africa. There is still a long way to go in this game, but with no quality batters to come out for the Proteas. It has been a tough day for them, but Afghanistan here are aiming to end things as soon as possible.

Short and on stump. Wiaan Mulder gets back and punches it towards cover for a single.

Fuller one, outside off. Mulder reverse-sweeps it towards backward point. The fielder there dives to his right and makes a sharp stop.

Mulder strides to this full ball and blocks it back to the bowler.

Short and outside off. Mulder taps it to point.

Short and on off. Wiaan Mulder gets behind the line and rests it down.

A direct hit would have been a goner! Short and on off. Bjorn Fortuin pushes it towards the cover region and scoots for a single. The fielder at the cover is rapid enough to has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses the direct hit.

A bit slower, fuller and on off. Wiaan Mulder hangs back and pushes it towards his off.

Fuller and outside off. Bjorn Fortuin drags it towards long on and gets a single.

Pitched up, on off. Bjorn Fortuin pushes it towards his off.

Full and just outside off. Bjorn Fortuin attempts a sweep but gets nicked on the inner edge and the ball bounces off to the keeper

Pace on this time, drags his length back and angles it down the leg. Bjorn Fortuin looks to pull it gently but misses and thumps his pad.

Touch fuller, just outside off, spinning it away. Bjorn Fortuin plays it inside and misses.

Tossed up, fuller outside off. Wiaan Mulder eases it outside off.

Shorter, outside off, turning away. Mulder backs away and tries to cut it away but misses.

Drags his length back on off. Wiaan Mulder dabs it down.

Fuller on stump. Wiaan Mulder gets behind the line and defends it.

Another appeal from Afghanistan and this time it's for caught behind but umpire stays unmoved. Rashid goes for the review now! This one is another fuller ball just outside off, spinning it away. Wiaan Mulder looks to reverse sweep but just misses the outer edge. The UltraEdge shows that there is no bat involved and the umpire stays with his decision.

Is that out? Afghanistan look confident here. They have taken a review for the same. The UltraEdge confirms that there is no spike as the ball passes the bat. The on-field decision stands.

Fuller and wide outside off. Wiaan Mulder hangs back and makes a leave.

Powerplay 1 comes to an end! But the scorecard would suggest that South Africa are coming to an end here. They have lost 7 wickets in the first 10 overs for the first time in their history. Not what they were hoping for. For now, it is Bjorn Fortuin who comes out to bat for South Africa. Will he be able to change the fortunes? Although, it is Rashid Khan who comes into the attack for the first time here.

OUT! RUN OUT! Another one bites the dust! You can say great presence of mind by Gulbadin Naib but some might say against the spirit of play. AM Ghazanfar flights this one up, full and on middle, Andile Phehlukwayo looks to defend it but misses, the ball goes off his pads to the first slip. There is a huge shout for LBW, but the umpire says no. Andile Phehlukwayo has no idea where the ball is and takes a couple of steps out of his crease, Naib sees this and hits the stumps at the batter's end. The umpires send it upstairs and the replay shows the batter is out of his crease. Andile Phehlukwayo is not happy with the decision but he has to keep walking back here.

Okay wait! Is this another Jonny Bairstow moment happening here? Great awareness shown by Gulbadin Naib here. The third umpire confirms that Andile Phehlukwayo's bat is not grounded. The big screen shows OUT, and i'm sure no South African supporter would want to have a look at it. THIS IS THE 250th ODI GAME IN SHARJAH. One to remember for sure.

Quicker, short again, on off, Andile Phehlukwayo bunts it out to the off side.

Shorter in length and outside off, Andile Phehlukwayo looks to cut it away but misses.

Floated, short and on off, Andile Phehlukwayo prods out and blocks it out.

Andile Phehlukwayo comes in to bat now.

OUT! LBW AM Ghazanfar has three or does he? YES, HE DOES. The umpire raises his finger but Kyle Verreynne takes a review here. This is the arm-ball from the mystery spinner, full and on middle, goes in with the arm, Kyle Verreynne stays back and plays across the line to work it away but misses it completely to get hit on the back pad. UltraEdge takes a long time to come up but confirms there is no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows two reds and wickets is umpire's call. The on-field call remains. South Africa keep the review but lose their sixth wicket. It is 36/6 now!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Wiaan Mulder knocks it down the pitch, AM Ghazanfar dives to his right but fails to stop it. They cross.

Overpitched and outside off, Kyle Verreynne reaches out for it and drills it away, but fails to beat covers.

Pitched up and around off, Kyle Verreynne works it off the inner half of the bat wide of deep square leg for a brace.

BEAUTY! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves this full again and on off, angles in and then holds its line, Kyle Verreynne looks to drive it but gets beaten on the outside edge. It wasn't far away from the off pole too.

Goes fuller now, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it towards covers.

Short of a length and outside off, Kyle Verreynne leaves it alone.

FOUR! Good shot! Back of a length and outside off, Kyle Verreynne stands tall, frees his arms and crunches it with excellent timing through point for a boundary.

Wiaan Mulder comes out to bat now at number 7.

Afghanistan though seem to be in a hurry here. South Africa have lost 5 wickets in just 8 overs here with just 29 runs on the board. AM Ghazanfar with a double-wicket maiden and he hands the debutant a four-ball duck.

OUT! BOWLED'EM! AM Ghazanfar with the double whammy! Jason Smith goes back for a duck on debut. This is pushed through quicker, shortish and on off, grips and turns in sharply, Jason Smith stays back in his crease and looks to cut it away, but fails to read the spin and plays all over it as the ball goes through to rattle the stumps. A double-wicket maiden for AM Ghazanfar and South Africa lose half their side now!

Flatter delivery, full and on middle, angling in and skids through as well, Jason Smith tucks it away towards mid-wicket. This is not the ideal situation for the debutant. He is struggling to pick the variations.

Quicker, short and on middle, turns away again, Jason Smith gets squared up but just manages to keep it out to the off side.

There are two slips in place as well for the new batter. Very, very good from the Afghanistan skipper. He realises this is a huge opening, and wants to make the most of it. Just a reminder, this is a 50-over game.

Flots this up, full and on off, turns away, Jason Smith plays inside the line of it and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Flatter, full and on middle, angling in, Jason Smith looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. A shout for LBW, but turned down. Probably going down the leg side.

It is the debutant Jason Smith who walks in at number 6. Not an ideal situation for him at all.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A deserved wicket for AM Ghazanfar now! He brings out the carrom ball this time, full and on off, turns away a shy bit, Tristan Stubbs gets drawn forward into his defensive push, gets a thin outside edge, it deflects off the keeper's pads, but Mohammad Nabi shows great reflexes at first slip to take a sharp catch low to his front. Stubbs walks back for a duck. Things are going from bad to worse for South Africa!

FOUR! Gets off the mark in good fashion! Fuller and around off, Kyle Verreynne keeps good balance and just uses his hands to drive it through covers, he times it well enough to beat the chase of the fielder to the fence for a boundary.

Good length and around off, Kyle Verreynne hops up and dabs it towards point.

Pitched up, on off, Kyle Verreynne drills it straight to point.

Almost another! Back of a length and around off, angling in, Kyle Verreynne stays back and tries to guide it away but gets a bottom edge and the ball bounces just wide of the stumps.

Kyle Verreynne comes in to bat now. South Africa need him to stick around for longer. Two new batters then at the crease for Proteas.

OUT! TAKEN! Who else? It is Fazalhaq Farooqi once again! Tony de Zorzi was finding it difficult to get into this game and he has to go back to the hut as well. This is a clever change of length from Farooqi, he bangs this one into the pitch, on off, skids through a bit, Tony de Zorzi looks to go for the pull shot, but the ball gets big on him, takes the top edge and goes high in the air, Hashmatullah Shahidi at mid on settles under it and takes a fine catch. Tony de Zorzi falls for 11 off 18!

Good stop! Back of a length and around off, Tony de Zorzi punches it nicely wide of point, Nangeyalia Kharote dives to his left and certainly saves a boundary there.

Slower through the air, full and on off, Tristan Stubbs fends it to the off side. Another good over from AM Ghazanfar. He is doing well to keep the pressure on the batters.

Quicker, full and on middle, drifts in sharply, Tristan Stubbs gets hurried but manages to negotiate it well.

Flighted, full and on off, Tristan Stubbs prods out and taps it out towards covers.

Flatter, short and on middle, angling in, Tristan Stubbs stays back and keeps it out.

Foated, full and on off, angles in, Tony de Zorzi works it off the inner half of the bat through square leg for a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi drives it straight to covers.

Tristan Stubbs walks in to bat at number 4.

OUT! DRAGGED ON AGAIN! Fazalhaq Farooqi with the double blow for Afghanistan! This time he gets the big fish, Aiden Markram, who falls cheaply as well. Good set up from Farooqi angling it in on the previous balls, but this time he goes full and outside off, takes pace off as well, Aiden Markram looks to take it on and goes for the big booming drive, but goes through it a bit early and tries to adjust bloy closing his bat face, ends up getting an inside edge back onto his stumps. Afghanistan's start gets even better now as South Africa are two down now!

Pitches it up, on middle, Tony de Zorzi clips it towards mid-wicket for a run.

Change of pace now! Fuller and on off, Tony de Zorzi looks to work it away but gets a leading edge along the ground towards cover-point.

Fazalhaq Farooqi hits the length hard again, on middle, this one angles in and skids through as well, keeps a bit low too, Aiden Markram once again gets cramped for room, gets an inside edge through square leg for a single.

Hard length and on middle, angling in again, Aiden Markram stays back and blocks it out solidly.

Aiden Markram is down on the floor and the physio rushes out to have a closer look. As usual the physio works his magic and Markram is up on his feet again.

Back of a length and on middle, angling in sharply, Aiden Markram gets cramped up and takes one on his midriff. He is down on his haunches and looks in a bit of pain.

Drags his length back, on off, Tony de Zorzi punches it towards cover-point.

Just wide! A carrom ball now, full and on off, turns away, Aiden Markram prods out to block, but gets an outside edge that just goes past Mohammad Nabi at first slip. They cross.

Slows it up a bit, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi drills it a bit uppishly but safely towards long off for a single.

Flighted, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi drives it straight to covers.

Gets away with it! Goes short again and around off, Tony de Zorzi opens his stance and tries to heave it away, but gets no timing on that one, the ball flies towards mid-wicket where Rashid Khan dives forward to grab it. It won't count through!

Short and outside off, Tony de Zorzi cuts it away wide of deep point for a brace. Oh..no! AM Ghazanfar has overstepped here. A crime if you are a spinner. No Ball and a Free Hit is up next.

Floated, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi blocks it out.

Aiden Markram comes in at number 3.

OUT! DRAGGED ON! Fazalhaq Farooqi draws first blood! The change of angles works for Afghanistan and Reeza Hendricks' struggles continue in the middle. This one is on a good length and outside off as well, a tempter, Reeza Hendricks stays in his crease and tries to push at it without any footwork, gets a big inside edge and the ball crashes onto the stumps. It was really a nothing shot and South Africa lose their first.

Length again and well outside off, Tony de Zorzi gets in two minds and tries to leave it a bit too late, the ball goes off the outer half of the bat and towards third man for a run.

Hard length this time, on middle, Tony de Zorzi steers it towards point.

FOUR! Tony de Zorzi joins the act now! Fazalhaq Farooqi bowls another half-volley in search of swing, but there is none, de Zorzi takes a couple of steps towards the line of the ball and plays a cracking cover drive for a boundary.

Hits the good length and on off, straightens a bit, Reeza Hendricks looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge along the ground towards third man for a single.

Fazalhaq Farooqi goes around the wicket now! He bowls this full and on off, Reeza Hendricks knocks it to the left of the bowler.

Quicker, short and on leg, Reeza Hendricks misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye is taken. Tidy over!

Flighted, full and around off, Tony de Zorzi pushes it wide of covers for a run.

Oh..close! AM Ghazanfar floats this up, shortish and on off, turns in sharply, Tony de Zorzi stays back to cut it away but just about manages to get the inside half of the bat on it to keep it out.

Flatter delivery, full and on middle, Tony de Zorzi stays deep inside his crease and tucks it towards short mid-wicket.

Goes short again but around leg this time, Reeza Hendricks flicks it off the back foot through square leg for a single.

AM Ghazanfar begins with a short delivery, on off, angling in, Reeza Hendricks moves back and punches it straight to covers.

Who will bowl from the other end? It is going to be spin. AM Ghazanfar comes into the attack.

Goes fuller again, on middle, Reeza Hendricks knocks it wide of mid off for a quick run. 8 runs off the first over then!

Pulls his length back now, on middle, Reeza Hendricks stays back and blocks it out.

FOUR! Classy shot! Fazalhaq Farooqi serves a nice half-volley, just outside off, Reeza Hendricks leans on to his drive and creams it through covers for the first boundary of the match.

Pitches it up, on middle and leg, shaping in a bit, Reeza Hendricks misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. A slight appeal for LBW, but turned down.

WIDE! Back of a length but down the leg side this time, Reeza Hendricks fails to glance it away, Rahmanullah Gurbaz does well to get his body behind moving to his left as the ball goes on the bounce to the keeper.

Good-length delivery, on off, angles away, keeps low as it usually does in Sharjah, Reeza Hendricks leaves it alone.

Reeza Hendricks and South Africa are underway straightaway! Fazalhaq Farooqi starts with a full delivery, on off, Reeza Hendricks strides out and drives it nicely through covers, the outfield is a bit heavy and it slows down for the fielder to catch up. Two runs taken.

We are done with the pre-match proceedings. Here we go. We can see the Afghanistan players spread out on the field and set to go. Followed by Reeza Hendricks and Tony de Zorzi who walk out to open for South Africa. It is going to be Fazalhaq Farooqi to start with the new ball here.

Both the teams are out there now lined up for their repective national anthems. It will be South Africa's first, followed by Afghanistan's anthem. We are inching closer to the start of the game.

PITCH REPORT - Niall O'Brien informs that there is a lovely breeze coming across the ground. the outfield is  little bit spongy. Vernon Philander joins him and states that the spinners will play a massive role in the fixture. Mentions that the batters need to stay on their toes here. Adds that the bowlers will be looking to aim to bowl wicket to wicket here.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper of Afghanistan says that they also wanted to bat first, but now need to focus on playing good cricket. Mentions that they have played a lot of games on this venue, and hence they have four spinners in their side. Hopes that it goes in their favour. About the squad, he informs that everyone is fit and raring to go.

Aiden Markram, the captain of South Africa is in for a chat. Starts by saying that they will bat first. He says that it's hot in Sharjah and the pitch looks hard so they would like to bat first and put some runs on the board. He continues that they are excited about Jason Smith who will be debuting for the side. He is a middle-order batter and can bowl as well. Ends up saying that Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi will be leading the bowling department for the Proteas.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangeyalia Kharote.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Jason Smith (On Debut), Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger.

TOSS - South Africa have won the toss and elected to BAT first.

On the other side, the Proteas will be without their regular captain, who is sidelined due to illness, with Aiden Markram stepping in as skipper. Their bowling attack features Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi, but the lack of a strong spinner could hurt them, especially on Sharjah’s turning pitch. It will be interesting to see how they adapt against an Afghan side that holds the upper hand, given their familiarity with the conditions. Stay tuned for toss updates and live action!

Afghanistan’s last ODI outing was a dominant series win against Ireland back in March 2024. Their top order looks solid, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai in great form. Unfortunately, Ibrahim Zardan is out with an ankle injury, but this opens the door for Abdul Malik and Darwish Rasooli, both of whom are itching to make their ODI debuts. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Mohammad Nabi will be key in anchoring the middle order, while star spinner Rashid Khan is set to return to ODI action after nearly a year. Alongside Fazalhaq Farooqi, who will lead the pace attack, Rashid will be crucial in rattling South Africa’s batting lineup. 

Hello and a warm welcome to all our viewers tuning in for the buildup! The stage is set at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium for the first of three ODIs between Afghanistan and South Africa. The Afghans are eager to make a strong start, especially after their heartbreaking loss to the Proteas in the Semifinals of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Revenge is surely on their minds, and they will give their all, to outclass their opponents and settle the score.

... MATCHDAY ...

The men from the Rainbow Nation have touched down in the United Arab Emirates, all set to embark on their white-ball adventure under the sweltering desert sun. South Africa’s first challenge awaits in Sharjah, where they will clash with a spirited Afghanistan in a three-match ODI series, marking the first-ever bilateral ODI series between the two nations. Following this, they will head to Abu Dhabi to face Ireland in both T20Is and ODIs. The iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium, which has hosted more ODIs than any other venue in the world, will set the stage for all three games between Afghanistan and South Africa. Adding to the sense of occasion, the stadium will mark a major milestone by hosting its 250th ODI when the two sides clash in the series opener. With the 2025 Champions Trophy looming, both teams will be eager to fine-tune their plans and build momentum towards the prestigious tournament. In an effort to build depth in their ODI ranks, South Africa have rested several regular white-ball stars, opting to give fresh faces a chance. Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with experienced campaigners Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks anchoring the batting department. Following an impressive home series against India, Tony de Zorzi has managed to retain his spot at the top of the order. Meanwhile, explosive T20 talent Tristan Stubbs finds his place in the squad, alongside keeper Kyle Verreynne. The spin department looks light on international experience, with the five-ODIs-old Bjorn Fortuin leading the charge, joined by uncapped leggie Nqabayomzi Peter. On the pace front, Lungi Ngidi will spearhead the attack, supported by promising seamers Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, and Lizaad Williams. As far as Afghanistan are concerned, several players are eager to get back on the field after a frustrating trip to India, where their one-off Test against New Zealand was abandoned due to incessant rain and poor outfield conditions. Their squad for this series is headlined by the return of Rashid Khan, who makes his comeback to the ODI fold for the first time since the 2023 ODI World Cup. In the absence of spin wizards Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar will be keen to impress and push his case for the Champions Trophy. The pace department will be led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, and with Naveen-ul-Haq stepping away from the format, he will have an even more significant role to play. Supporting him will be Fareed Ahmad, Naveed Zadran, and uncapped Bilal Sami. Afghanistan will, however, miss the services of Ibrahim Zadran, who sprained his ankle ahead of the abandoned Test against New Zealand. This leaves Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Rahmat Shah, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi to shoulder the batting responsibilities in his absence. Adding depth to Afghanistan's squad are all-rounders Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and the experienced Mohammad Nabi. These two sides have crossed paths twice in ODIs, both during World Cups and on each occasion, South Africa emerged victorious. However, Afghanistan are no longer the team they once were, having made significant strides in white-ball cricket over the past year. Who will draw first blood in the series? We shall find out together.