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

WIDE! That's it! Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes into the attack and bowls the ball way outside the off stump. Tristan Stubbs reaches out to slap it away but misses. The keeper, Ikram Alikhil goes up in appeal for caught behind but the umpire signals a wide. South Africa win by seven wickets to avoid a series whitewash!

Aiden Markram plays a beautiful cover drive to a delivery outside the off stump and finds the fielder. No run taken and the match moves on to the next over with South Africa needing 1 run to win.

Fuller on the stumps and Tristan Stubbs drives it to mid on and sets off for a quick single. Scores are level!

Full and on the stumps. Tristan Stubbs goes for the drive but gets an inside edge to short mid-wicket.

SIX! Good hit! Naveed Zadran bangs it short at the batter with pace and Tristan Stubbs stands ready and pulls the ball flat and over the head of deep square leg fielder for a superb six. South Africa 2 runs away!

Good length delivery angling on the stumps. Aiden Markram nudges it to mid-wicket for a run.

FOUR! Aiden Markram at his very best! Gets his weight on the front foot and creams the ball through covers for a superb boundary. Naveed Zadran pitches the ball up outside the off stump and gets punished. South Africa need 9 runs for victory.

Another good length delivery on top of the stumps. Tristan Stubbs manages to block it well back to the bowler to end the over.

Bowls on a very good length from around the wicket. Tristan Stubbs stays on the crease and gives it respect.

Slower ball from a good length on top of the stumps. Aiden Markram flicks it to the left of mid-wicket for a single. South Africa need 13 runs more to win the match.

Fuller on the off stump from around the wicket. Aiden Markram takes the front foot out and drives it to covers.

Holds the length back on top of the stumps. Aiden Markram stands tall on the crease and taps it back to the bowler.

Short and wide outside the off stump. Tristan Stubbs thumps it to sweeper covers for a run this time.

FOUR! Streaky! South Africa inching closer with every run! Aiden Markram gets a lucky boundary! Naveed Zadran bangs it short at the batter with pace and Aiden Markram goes for a pull shot but gets it off the gloves and it flies to the left of the keeper and goes to the fine leg boundary.

Fuller this time outside off. Aiden Markram punches the ball in front of sweeper covers once again and takes another couple with ease.

Drops the length back at the batter. Tristan Stubbs flicks the ball to fine leg and takes a run.

Bowls on a good length on top of the off stump. Aiden Markram launches the ball up and over mid off and runs a single as he does not manage to time it well.

Length delivery nipping into the stumps. Aiden Markram whips it using his wrists to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Runs in from around the wicket and pitches the ball on a good length outside the off stump. Aiden Markram takes the front foot out and drives the ball to the right of sweeper covers for a couple.

On the off-stump line, on a good length, Tristan Stubbs defends it right under his eyes.

Angling in, on a good length, on middle, Tristan Stubbs turns it to mid-wicket.

Full and on off, Tristan Stubbs leans on it to defend.

Short and on off, Tristan Stubbs pats it from the crease to cover.

Given LBW but successfully overturned by Tristan Stubbs! Fareed goes wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle and bowls it on a good length, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs shapes up to flick it away but plays all around it. Gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it just above the knee roll on the front pad. The finger goes up but Tristan Stubbs has a word with Aiden Markram. He thinks that the angle would take the ball down leg and therefore, he takes the review. UltraEdge shows no bat and as Stubbs expected, the Ball Tracking shows the ball to be missing the leg stump.

Short and wide on off, cut away to deep point for a single.

Full and on the pads, Aiden Markram works it down to long on and takes the single.

Short and on off, Tristan Stubbs pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.

FIFTY for Aiden Markram! This has been a sensible knock from the senior batter and he will look to bat through and take his side home. Looped up by Kharote, full and on off, Aiden Markram eases it down to long off for a single.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! In the slot from Kharote, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram clears his front leg and whacks it over wide long on for a biggie.

No run.

Coming in with the arm, short and on middle, Aiden Markram hangs back and defends it down the deck.

Tossed up, full and on off, Tristan Stubbs defends it off the front foot. The most expensive over of the inning, 14 runs off it. South Africa now need 37 more.

Short and turning in, on middle and leg, Aiden Markram punches it off the back foot to long on for a single.

SIX! Not quite from the middle of the bat but Markram still manages to clear the fence! Nabi bowls it flatter and shorter, on middle, Aiden Markram rocks back for the pull and gets enough bat on it to clear Azmatullah Omarzai at deep mid-wicket who seemed to be in business for a moment. The 50-run stand comes up between these two batters.

Halt! Aiden Markram getting the required medical attention for his left knee and is okay to continue now.

Ouch, that has hurt! Nabi slows it up and bowls it on a nagging length, on off, Aiden Markram skips down the track and looks to go back over the bowler's head. Gets an inside edge and it goes on to hit Markram on the side of the knee of his left leg. Markram grimaces in pain and calls for medical attention.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram presses forward and defends it out.

WIDE! Fired down leg, Aiden Markram lets it go for a wide.

SIX! BOOM! Short and dispatched! A loosener by Nabi first up, a half-tracker and on off, Aiden Markram gets on the back foot in a flash and pulls it over wide long on for a six. South Africa now need less than 50. They need 45 more runs.

This is slower and shorter, on off, Aiden Markram is able to get on the back foot and pats it to long off. Retains the strike with a single.

Fired in, on a nagging length, on off, Aiden Markram goes on the back foot and slaps it hard but can't get it past Rahmanullah Gurbaz at cover.

Flatter and shorter, on leg, Tristan Stubbs is late on the tickle and wears it on the front pad. The ball rolls wide of short fine leg for a leg bye.

Floated up, full and on middle, Aiden Markram wrists it to wide long on for a single.

Half a shout but the ball was not straightening enough to hit the stumps! Tossed up, full and on the pads, Aiden Markram misses the sweep and wears it on the front pad. Going down leg.

Kharote comes from around the wicket, full and on off, Tristan Stubbs lunges and steers it wide of backward point for one.

Pushed through by Ghazanfar, at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs stays on the back foot and knocks it down to long off for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Aiden Markram cracks the drive to the right of deep cover. Naveed Zadran runs around and mops it up. They cross.

Short and wide on off, Tristan Stubbs rocks back and slaps it along the ground to deep cover for one.

Darted in, on a nagging length, on off and middle, Aiden Markram reads it off the hand and goes deep in the crease. Works it wide of cover and gets to the other end.

At 92.4 kph, full and on off, Aiden Markram checks his shot and pushes it to cover.

Short and on the pads, flicked through square leg for a single by Stubbs. The stand moves to 31.

Dishes it out on a hard length, over middle, Aiden Markram lets the ball come to him and stabs it down on the leg side.

This is on a back of a length, on middle and leg, Tristan Stubbs glances it down to long leg for one.

Attacks the stumps now does Fareed with a length delivery, Tristan Stubbs defends it solidly.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Fareed attempts the bumper but does not get high enough to trouble the batter. It comes at waist height to Stubbs who does well to control the pull and picks his spot. Beats the diving deep backward square leg fielder to his left for a boundary.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Tristan Stubbs pats it down to mid on.

Fareed bashes the hard length, on off, Aiden Markram with a high elbow, punches it to deep cover for a single.

Ghazanfar floats it up there, full and on off, Aiden Markram leans on it and guides it wide of point for another single. 5 singles off the over. That will do nicely for South Africa. They need 66 more runs to win.

Pushed through, short and at the stumps, Tristan Stubbs punches it with a straight bat to long on and gets to the other end.

Ghazanfar slows it up and gets the ball to grip and turn, fuller and around off, Aiden Markram waits on it and dabs it wide of backward point for a single.

Slower and shorter, near the tramline on off, Tristan Stubbs walks across and cuts it along the carpet to deep cover for a run.

Short and on off, Aiden Markram rocks on the back foot quickly and flat bats it past the bowler for one. The 100 comes up for South Africa. They need 70 more runs.

Ghazanfar gets the ball to skid through and this keeps a bit low, short and on off, Aiden Markram shapes up to steer it past first slip but misses.

Hits the bat hard does Fareez and generates a bit of extra bounce, on a hard length, on off, defended right under his eyes by Stubbs.

Fareed uses the around-the-wicket angle as he goes wide of the crease and gets the ball to skid through, on a back of a length, on the pads, Tristan Stubbs fails to flick it away and gets an inside edge onto the pads.

WIDE! Fareed bends his back and digs it in short, around off. Tristan Stubbs sways away from the line of the ball. The ball sails over the batter's head for a wide.

Fuller from wide of the crease, just outside off, Tristan Stubbs gets a good stride in and pushes it to cover.

Serves it on a hard length, outside off, Tristan Stubbs stabs it down the deck.

Tighter line from Fareed, over the off stump, on a back of a length, Aiden Markram waits on it and glides it to the left of backward point for a single.

Short and wide on off, Tristan Stubbs hops and slaps it all along the carpet to deep cover for one.

Short again, on off, Tristan Stubbs punches it down to wide long off and retains the strike with a single. 10 runs off the over, a good one for South Africa. They move to 96, requiring 74 more runs to win.

Short and on off, Aiden Markram punches it past cover and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Two in two for Markram and this will help feel him a lot better! Kharote offers flight, full and on off, Aiden Markram opens up his front hip and goes inside out over cover. Clears cover with ease for four more runs.

FOUR! Markram does not miss this time! Very full from Kharote and that allows the batter to get underneath it. Aiden Markram nails the slog sweep and hits it flat and to the right of long on for a boundary. A boundary after 50 balls for South Africa.

Swing and a miss! Looped up, full and turning away, around off, Aiden Markram reaches out for the slog sweep but misses as the ball spins away.

Tossed up, full and drifting in, on middle, Aiden Markram gets a good stride in to keep it out.

A maiden from Fareed Ahmad! This is on a back of a length, on off, Tristan Stubbs hops and pats it with a straight bat back to the bowler.

Continues from around the wicket, on a back of a length, on off and middle, Tristan Stubbs nudges it in front of mid-wicket.

A slight mix-up but no harm done! On a length, in the channel on off, Tristan Stubbs with an angled bat face, taps it to the right of backward point. Stubbs sets off for the single but gets sent back in time by Markram.

Fareed goes wide of the crease and slants it in, on a good length, on off, Tristan Stubbs blocks it solidly by covering the line of the ball.

So nearly dragged it on! A touch fuller from around the wicket, on off, Tristan Stubbs is tentative with his footwork as he tries to defend. Gets an inside edge onto the pads.

On a back of a length, around off, Tristan Stubbs stands tall as he looks to punch it through the off side but miscues it in front of mid-wicket.

Dot to end the over. Full and on the pads. Markram paddle sweeps it to short fine leg for no run.

Riskfree batting from both the batters as Tristan Stubbs drives a full delivery to sweeper covers for a run.

Floats the ball up outside the off stump. Aiden Markram drives the ball along the carpet to sweeper covers for another single.

Short and wide, cut away to sweeper covers for a run.

Bowls the arm ball on the stumps. Tristan Stubbs drives it back to the bowler.

Drops it short outside off. Aiden Markram cuts the ball to sweeper covers for a single.

Fuller on the stumps. Aiden Markram punches the ball to the left of mid on and runs a single.

JUST SHORT! Fareed Ahmad runs hard from around the stumps and bowls a slower delivery, up outside the off stump. Aiden Markram slashes it hard and the ball falls just short of the fielder at point. Good fielding to stop the ball.

Hits the deck hard from the angle. Aiden Markram stays on the crease and drops the ball down.

Hits the length hard on top of the off stump line. Tristan Stubbs takes a front foot and nudges it to deep square leg for a run.

Back of a length delivery angling into the batter. Tristan Stubbs covers the line of the ball and defends it.

Tristan Stubbs is the new man in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Fareed Ahmad surprises Reeza Hendricks with a good bumper from around the wicket angle with pace and Reeza Hendricks goes for the pull shot. In the end, only manages to get a top edge high up in the air. The keeper, Ikram Alikhil runs in and calls for it, signalling the bowler to stay out of the way. He runs in and keeps his eyes on the ball all the way through. He ensures that he does not crash into the stumps at the batting end and takes it safely. Reeza Hendricks never looked settled during his stay. He goes for 18 (31). South Africa are now 80/3 with still 90 more runs to win!

Nagging length at the stumps. Aiden Markram goes deep and tucks it across to short mid-wicket.

Tossed up at the stumps. Hendricks drives it to the right of long on for a run.

Direct hit! On a length at the middle and leg stump line. Reeza Hendricks tucks it across to deep square leg and sets off for a couple. A direct hit at the bowler's end and the third umpire has been summoned to check it. The replays show that Markram is well inside the crease when the stumps are broken. NOT OUT comes up on the big screen.

Big turn from the off stump, from a nagging length. Aiden Markram adjusts well and flicks the ball to deep square leg for a single.

Drops the length back on the stumps. Reeza Hendricks pulls it away to deep square leg for a single.

On the pads, with pace. Reeza Hendricks tucks it straight to mid-wicket.

Drinks break! The squeeze is on from Afghanistan's spinners, as has been the case throughout the series. South Africa have lost both openers and are now in a rebuilding phase. With 95 more runs needed, Aiden Markram will have a crucial role to play for the visitors. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Co. will need to keep hunting for wickets if they are to stand a chance in this game. Without Rashid Khan in the side, the spin trio of Kharote, Ghazanfar, and the experienced Mohammad Nabi will need to deliver a collective effort to keep Afghanistan in the hunt.

Holds the length back outside off. Aiden Markram slams it hard but straight to covers to end the over.

Nagging length on the stumps. Hendricks goes back and punches it to sweeper cover for a run.

Full and at the stumps. Markram drives it nicely to long off for a run.

Pitched up delivery angling in with the arm. Markram hangs back and punches it to cover for none.

A big shout for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Kharote bowls an arm ball at the stumps from around the wicket angle. Aiden Markram tries a sweep again and misses the ball, wearing it on his back thigh. Afghanistan take the review. The UltraEdge shows no bat involved and the Ball Tracking shows that the ball is missing the leg stump. The decision stays not out.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Aiden Markram flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Tossed up just outside off stump. Aiden Markram closes the face of the bat and tucks it across to mid-wicket for a run.

Drags the length back spinning on the stumps. Markram goes deep and punches it to covers.

Bowls it full and on off, Aiden Markram watchfully blocks it off.

Just short again. Reeza Hendricks sets back and taps the ball to long on for a run.

On the pads and flicked away straight to mid-wicket.

Just short on the stumps. Aiden Markram tucks it to long on for a single.

Dot to end the over. Tossed up delivery on the stumps, Reeza Hendricks knocks it back at the bowler.

Fuller on off and the sweep comes out from Aiden Markram, towards deep square leg for a single.

Fuller this time on the stumps. Aiden Markram flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Speared in on the pads, Reeza Hendricks works this full delivery past backward square leg for a single.

Holds the length back and gets the ball to move away. Aiden Markram opens up on the crease and gets an outside edge to the left of covers for a run.

Fires one into the right hander, fuller on the stumps from around the wicket. Aiden Markram drives it back to the bowler.

Nangeyalia Kharote comes on to bowl, replacing Fareed Ahmad.

Short on the off stump. Reeza Hendricks taps it back to the bowler to end the over.

Good spin and bounce off the surface from a fuller length on the middle stump. Reeza Hendricks looks to block it but wears it on his pads outside the line of leg stump.

Just short on the leg stump this time. Aiden Markram punches the ball from the crease to long on for a run.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Aiden Markram flicks the ball straight to mid-wicket.

Turns into the right-hander from a fuller length on the off stump. Reeza Hendricks flicks it late, with the turn towards short fine leg and gets a single.

Just short on the pads. Reeza Hendricks tucks it straight to square leg.

Full-length delivery on the stumps. Markram punches it down to mid on for none.

Room offered and slapped along the carpet by Aiden Markram for a couple from the left of sweeper covers.

Hits the deck hard and gets the ball to tail back into the right-hander from outside off. Aiden Markram adjusts well to the movement from the crease.

Short and wide, slapped away to sweeper covers for a single.

Bowls from the around the wicket angle on a good length outside off. Reeza Hendricks offers a solid front foot block towards covers.

Runs in from around the wicket and hits the length on top of the off stump. Reeza Hendricks looks for a block but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket.

Aiden Markram comes out to bat now. Also, left-arm seamer, Fareed Ahmad comes into the attack.

OUT! LBW! Mohammad Nabi finally gets Tony de Zorzi after been denied twice! Tossed up on a length around off-stump and it comes in with the arm for the left-hander. de Zorzi is pinned on the back foot and gets beaten on the inside edge of the bat, getting a thud on the back pad. An easy decision for the umpire as it looked dead plumb. Tony de Zorzi has to walk back for 26 runs and Nabi gets the reward for good bowling. South Africa are now 62/2, requiring 108 more runs.

Tossed up at the stumps. de Zorzi tucks it across to short mid-wicket.

Bowls on a full length just outside off. Hendricks punches it down to long on for a run.

Around the wicket. On a length at the stumps. de Zorzi tucks it across to mid-wicket for a run.

Over the wicket this time and on a nagging length at the stumps. Hendricks reverse sweeps it to deep backward point for a run.

Comes from around the wicket and bowls it fuller outside off. de Zorzi presses forward and pushes it to point for a run.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had been off the field for some reason, is back on the field.

Bowls it much fuller and on the pads. Tony de Zorzi eases it down to long on for a single to keep strike.

WIDE! Wayward outside the leg stump line. Wide called.

SIX! BANG! Tony de Zorzi takes full advantage of the Free Hit! Full toss around the off-stump line.and de Zorzi sits down on one knee and slog sweeps it over deep mid-wicket for an 86-metre six.

NO BALL! Overstepping this time, AM Ghazanfar! Full and down the leg. Tony de Zorzi flicks but misses it onto the pads. Free Hit coming up.

DRAMA ALL AROUND! Afghanistan thought they finally had Tony de Zorzi's wicket after dropping him twice already! AM Ghazanfar comes in from around the wicket and tosses it up, drifting in on the stumps. Tony de Zorzi leans forward to defend but gets it high on the bat that lobs towards the bowler, who dives forward and claims a low catch. The replays show that the ball touched the ground before it went to hand. NOT OUT comes up on the big screen!

Has that been taken cleanly? Afghanistan are celebrating but Tony de Zorzi has been asked to wait by the umpires. It is referred upstairs. Only one replay is enough to show that the ball clearly bounced in front before it went into the hands of Ghazanfar. NOT OUT flashes on the big screen.

Fires it full and drifting on the pads. Hendricks flicks and gets the leading edge of the bat flying past the slip fielder for a run.

Runs in and bowls on a fuller length outside off. de Zorzi pats it to cover for a run.

Comes from over the wicket and bowls on a nagging length outside off. Hendricks punches it to left of cover for a run.

Time for Powerplay 2! After the first 10 overs, South Africa are 46/1 while chasing 170. Afghanistan need to keep picking wickets if they want to stand a chance in the game.

Pushed through, full and on the pads, Reeza Hendricks glances it past short fine leg for a run.

Short and on off, Reeza Hendricks pokes at the delivery and gets an outside edge in front of point.

Beaten! Full and this keeps straight, on off, Reeza Hendricks gets beaten on the outside edge as he looks to defend.

A loud appeal for LBW but the umpire shakes his head! Afghanistan go for the review but the impact looked outside off there. This is full and a hint of turn towards the right-hander on off, Reeza Hendricks walks across and goes for the slog sweep but fails to connect. The ball goes under his bat and brushes his front pad before going on to hit the crouched back leg. The UltraEdge shows no bat but the impact is umpire's call and even though the ball is hitting the off pole, the on-field decision will stand.

Fuller and turning in, on off, Reeza Hendricks leans on it to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Short and angling in, Tony de Zorzi goes on the back foot and tucks it past mid-wicket for one.

Pushed through, full and on off, Reeza Hendricks is tentative to get on the front foot but manages to see it out. A wicket maiden from AM Ghazanfar.

FOUR! Short and punished! Ghazanfar drops it short and wide on off, there to be hit, Reeza Hendricks cracks the cut through point for a boundary.

Short and going away from the batter, Reeza Hendricks plays for the turn and gets squared up as it moves away. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to point.

Pushed through, flat and short, on off, Reeza Hendricks hurriedly jams it out on the off side.

Fired in, full and on off, Reeza Hendricks gets half-forward to keep it out.

Reeza Hendricks is the next batter at number 3 for South Africa.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! AM Ghazanfar fights back after being hit for two boundaries in the previous over! Fuller and quicker from Ghazanfar, around off, Temba Bavuma gets a good stride in to get to the pitch of the ball but fails to smother the spin. Bavuma expects the ball to go on with the arm but it spins in to beat the inside edge and clatter into the off pole. Afghanistan have their first breakthrough. Bavuma goes for 22 (28). South Africa are now 40/1, requiring 130 more runs to win.

Looped up, full and on off, Tony de Zorzi lunges and blocks it out.

On the pads, Temba Bavuma wrists this one past square leg and crosses over.

Short and on off, Temba Bavuma defends it on the off side.

DROPPED AGAIN! Would you believe it? Nabi drops it short and outside off, Tony de Zorzi goes on the back foot and slaps it uppishly. Hits it straight to the man at cover where the ball goes at knee height to Azmatullah Omarzai who bends and gets into the position but shells it. The ball parries away to his left and the batters take a quick single. Omarzai has a shy at the bowling end but fails to hit the target.

DROPPED! Hashmatullah Shahidi puts one down! Tossed up, full and on the pads, Tony de Zorzi sweeps it hard and flat towards backward square leg. Picks out the man on the ring there to perfection. It goes at chin height towards Shahidi who attempts a reverse-cup catch but fails to hang on.

Short and on the pads, Temba Bavuma works it past square leg for a single.

The length is now pulled back by Ghazanfar, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma goes on the back foot and nudges it past square leg for one.

Full and on off, Temba Bavuma defends it on the off side.

FOUR! Up and over! Ghazanfar loops it up but errs in line and length, too full and offers width on off. Temba Bavuma stays low to make the connection and goes inside out over cover for four more runs.

Full and straight, at the stumps, Temba Bavuma pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Good shot! Ghazanfar offers flight but ends up bowling it a bit too full, on off, Temba Bavuma is able to get underneath it and thumps it over wide mid off for a boundary.

Nicely floated up by Ghazanfar, on middle, Temba Bavuma offers a solid front foot block.

Half a shout for LBW but that was going down leg! Nabi spears it in from around the wicket, on middle and leg, Tony de Zorzi presses forward to see out this full delivery but gets beaten on the inside edge and wears it on the pads.

After being hit for a boundary, Nabi responds by slowing it up and giving the ball air too. Fuller and on middle, Tony de Zorzi lunges and blocks it well.

FOUR! Nicely dealt with! Nabi bowls it flat and short and it skids off the deck, on middle, Tony de Zorzi gets on the back foot in a flash and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Goes wide of the crease and darts it on, short and on middle, Tony de Zorzi misses the flick and wears it high on the thigh pad.

Nabi slows it up and gets a hint of away turn, on off, Tony de Zorzi adjusts and defends it on the off side.

Nabi starts from around the wicket and pushes it through, short and skidding through, Tony de Zorzi hurriedly jams it out off the back foot.

Mohammad Nabi comes into the attack!

Pitched up, on off, Temba Bavuma leans into the drive and hits it straight to mid off. A good over for South Africa, 9 runs off it.

Serves it on a length, on off, Temba Bavuma waits on the back foot and taps it in front of point.

FOUR! Shot of authority! Fractionally short by Zadran, on off, Temba Bavuma is quick to pick up the length and hangs back to pull it to the right of mid-wicket for a boundary.

Zadran digs it in short at the left shoulder of the batter, on off, Tony de Zorzi pulls it all along the ground to deep fine leg for a single.

Zadran pulls his length back and keeps it around off, Tony de Zorzi swivels for the pull but gets a bottom edge that dribbles behind to the keeper.

FOUR! Good use of the feet! On a length by Zadran, angling away, on off, Tony de Zorzi gets to the pitch of the ball and drills it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

On a nagging length, on off, Temba Bavuma hangs back and dabs it in front of backward point.

Tossed up, blocked out off the front foot by Bavuma.

Tossed up, full and on off, Temba Bavuma lunges and defends it with a straight bat.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Temba Bavuma flicks it straight to mid-wicket.

Edged but the soft hands saved Bavuma there! Full and around off, Temba Bavuma leans on to block it out but the ball straightens a bit to catch the outside edge. Luckily for Bavuma, the edge falls way short of Nabi at first slip.

Miscued but safe! Carrom ball from Ghazanfar, full and it spins away to take the ball further away from the batter. Temba Bavuma reaches out to go over cover. Skews it off a thickish outside edge that goes over short third for a couple of runs.

Full again from Zadran, around off, Tony de Zorzi gets his weight on the front foot and drives it well. The ball pings off his bat but the cover fielder does well to take the sting out of the ball as he dives to his right. Two runs taken.

Halt! Temba Bavuma, the South African skipper has requested a change of shoes. Gets back and he is now ready to continue!

THREE WIDES! Wayward from Naveed as he sprays it down leg, on a fuller length, Tony de Zorzi lets it go. The keeper, Ikram Alikhil dives and gets a glove on it to take the pace off the ball a bit. It rolls down to the deep fine leg fence where AM Ghazanfar sprints and dives to his left to save a couple of runs for his side.

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Tony de Zorzi walks down the track and pushes it towards cover.

Fuller and on middle, Tony de Zorzi wrists this one off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Angling in from around the wicket, on a back of a length, on off, Tony de Zorzi opens the bat face and threads it between backward point and cover for a couple of runs.

Is Tony de Zorzi short of his ground? Naveed lands it on a back of a length, on off, Temba Bavuma hangs on the back foot and presents an angled bat to play it on the off side. Gets an inside edge that trickles behind to the left of the keeper and he gets called through for a run by de Zorzi. The keeper, Ikram Alikhil is quick across the turf and moves to his left. He fires the throw on the bounce and hits the stumps at the batting end. However, the replays show that de Zorzi has made it in. One wonders if the throw had hit the stumps on the full, it would have taken less time and put de Zorzi in real trouble.

Zadran bangs it on a hard length, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma hops and rides the bounce well to flick it through backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Play and a miss! Leaving the batter from over the wicket, fuller and outside off, Tony de Zorzi fiddles at the delivery away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Turning away a touch, full and around off, Temba Bavuma lunges and opens the bat face slightly to work it wide of backward point for a single.

Beaten! Ghazanfar slants it in and then it straightens, on a length, around off, Temba Bavuma lunges to keep it out with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Drifting in, full and on middle, Temba Bavuma gets his bat out in front and turns it to mid-wicket.

This is slower and shorter, outside off, left alone by Temba Bavuma.

Beats the bat straight away! This goes on with the arm, short and outside off, Temba Bavuma hangs back and plays for the turn but this keeps straight to go past the outside edge.

Who will bowl from the other end? It will be AM Ghazanfar.

Quick single taken! Attacking the stumps, on a good length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pushes it with a straight bat in front of mid on and sets off. The fielder hits the stumps at the bowling end with an underarm throw and it is referred upstairs. The replays show that Bavuma is well in.

An optimistic shout for LBW from the bowler but that looked high! Naveed angles it in, on a hard length, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma walks across a bit and looks to work it away with the angle but misses and wears it on high on the thigh pad. With the angle, it would have gone down leg and was high too.

Tony de Zorzi and South Africa are underway! This is on a back of a length, at the hips, Tony de Zorzi hops and glances it down to long leg. AM Ghazanfar gets to the ball quickly to his right and keeps it down to one.

A touch fuller from Naveed, around off, Tony de Zorzi defends it on the off side.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Tony de Zorzi lets the ball come to him and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

Naveed steams in from over the wicket and dishes it out on a hard length, on off. Tony de Zorz gets on top of the bounce and punches it to cover.

OUT! TAKEN! Nqabayomzi Peter wraps things up! Naveed Zadran is disappointed, having failed to clear the ropes. It was in the slot though for Naveed but he is tucked up for room as Peter follows him. Zadran is unable to free his arms in a fashion he would have liked. Swings through the line but does not get the elevation. Hits it flat and straight to long on where Aiden Markram leaps and takes it over his head. Peter ends with two wickets to his name. Afghanistan have been bowled out for 169.

Tossed up, full and on off, AM Ghazanfar drags it towards wide long on for a run.

Peter gets away with it! A half-tracker, slower and around middle and leg, Naveed Zadran goes deep in his crease and pulls it in front of square. Fails to pick the gap as the deep mid-wicket fielder mops it up. A single taken.

Pushed through, short and on off, Naveed Zadran pushes it off the back foot to cover.

Another one that is flat and short, on middle, Naveed Zadran hangs back and nudges it to mid-wicket.

Peter does not give much air and keeps it flat and short, AM Ghazanfar punches it down to long on and crosses over.

Naveed Zadran is the last man in.

OUT! PLAYED ON! Afghanistan are now 9 wickets down! Short of a length delivery nipping into the batter. Ahmad backs away and tries to fend it off but gets hit in the arm and the ball deflects onto the stumps. The 33-run stand is broken. Afghanistan are now 166/9.

Full and slower delivery at the stumps. AM Ghazanfar chips it down to long on for a run.

SIX! BANG! Full-length delivery on the stumps. Ghazanfar gets his front leg out of the line and swings at it. Gets a decent connection and the ball flies over long off for a six.

Good sharp bumper at the batter from Lungi Ngidi. Fareed Ahmad looks to duck it but gets a hit on the shoulders for a single towards fine leg as leg bye.

Runs in hard and bowls a length delivery angling into the batter. Fareed Ahmad fends it on the off side.

Around the wicket. Back of a length delivery outside off. Fareed Ahmad slaps it to cover-point where Markram dives to his right and stops it.

Drinks break! This pair of AM Ghazanfar and Fareed Ahmad is steadily adding some crucial runs for Afghanistan. Ghazanfar, in particular, hasn't shied away from playing the big shots, and it has paid off for him so far. South Africa will want to break this stand as soon as possible to prevent Afghanistan from getting anywhere close to that 200-run mark. Right then, Bavuma has had enough. He brings his premier pacer, Lungi Ngidi back into the attack. 5-1-15-1 so far for Ngidi.

FOUR! SLOGGED! Andile Phehlukwayo pitches the ball fuller on the leg stump line to the right-hander and AM Ghazanfar takes away the front foot and slogs the ball flat and hard to the right of Tristan Stubbs at deep mid-wicket, who runs to his right and slides to that side but the ball evades him. The ball bounces inside the boundary line and crosses over for a four.

Risky run! Pitches the ball up on the stumps. Fareed Ahmad drives it to the right of mid-wicket and sets off for a quick single. The mid-wicket fielder dives and picks the ball up cleanly but fires the throw at the wrong end. He has a shy at the bowling end but Fareed has made it in there. Ghazanfar was struggling to make it to the batting end and a throw at his end could have had him.

On the pads from a shorter length. Fareed Ahmad looks to pull it but gets a hit on the thigh pad and the ball goes back to the keeper.

Runs in hard and pitches the ball up on the stumps. Fareed Ahmad punches the ball back to the bowler off the front foot.

Holds the length back on top of the leg stump line. Fareed Ahmad gets deep in the crease and flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

Hits the length from around the wicket on top of the off stump. Fareed Ahmad takes the front foot out and knocks it off.

Bowls this one full and on the pads. Fareed Ahmad flicks it to square leg for a single.

Flighted delivery drifting on the stumps. Fareed Ahmad defends and gets the outside edge of the bat to short third.

Full and at the stumps. Fareed Ahmad blocks it straightaway.

Floats it up on the off stump. Fareed Ahmad takes the front foot out and blocks it off well.

Just short on the stumps. Fareed Ahmad stays back in the crease and taps it back to the bowler.

Fuller on the off stump. Fareed Ahmad drives it straight to mid off.

SIX! BANG! Clean strike! Andile serves this one on a length, on off, AM Ghazanfar is allowed to free his arms and he accepts the invitation. Clears his front leg and smokes it over wide long on for a six. The 150 comes up for Afghanistan.

A direct hit would have been curtains for AM Ghazanfar! Andile bowls it on a back of a length, on off, Fareed Ahmad hangs back and pushes it with soft hands in front of cover. Calls AM Ghazanfar through for a quick single. Tristan Stubbs swoops in and picks the ball cleanly. Releases an underarm throw and Ghazanfar is struggling to make his ground at the batting end but luckily for him, Stubbs misses.

Andile comes from around the wicket and bowls it on a good length, on off, Fareed Ahmad swats it but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

On a length, on off, AM Ghazanfar knocks it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Back of a length, on off, AM Ghazanfar swipes it without much timing to mid-wicket.

On a back of a length, on off, Fareed Ahmad dabs it wide of point fo a single.

SIX! AM Ghazanfar goes big and the smile on his face shows that he really liked it! Fortuin loops it up, full and on middle, AM Ghazanfar sees the ball above his eyeline and winds up for the big shot. Picks the bones out of that as he clears his front leg and thumps it over wide long on for a biggie.

Fortuin drags the length back and bowls it around middle, AM Ghazanfar hangs on the back foot and stabs it down on the leg side.

Darted in, short and on middle, AM Ghazanfar does well to get his front pad out of the way and keeps it out on the off side.

FOUR! Shot! Fortuin gives the ball air and bowls it around off, AM Ghazanfar gets down on one knee and nails the slog sweep over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Pushed through, short and on middle, AM Ghazanfar chops it in front of backward point.

Flat and short, on off, AM Ghazanfar bunts it back to the bowler.

Andile keeps it full, around off, Fareed Ahmad digs it out in front of cover.

Full and straight, Fareed Ahmad pushes it to cover.

Fareed Ahmad is the new batter for Afghanistan.

OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Two in the over for Andile Phehlukwayo! Kharote comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and attacks the stumps, on a good length. Nangeyalia Kharote stays back in his crease as he looks to defend but does not move his feet at all. The ball kept a bit low but more than the bounce, Kharote played down the wrong line. The ball zips past the outside edge and crashes into the stumps. Afghanistan slip further. South Africa now have a real chance of wrapping things up quickly.

Gets the yorker in, on off, AM Ghazanfar squeezes it past cover for a single.

AM Ghazanfar is the new batter out in the middle for Afghanistan.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! South Africa have the big fish! A body blow to Afghanistan as Rahmanullah Gurbaz holes out. This is on a length, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz skips down the track to go big on the off side. The bat turns in hands at the point of impact and he ends up slicing it flat towards deep cover. He wanted to go over cover but ended up hitting it only as far as deep cover-point where Reeza Hendricks runs in off the ropes and dives in front to take a safe catch. Gurbaz goes for a well-made 89 (94). Afghanistan are now 132/7 after 27.2 overs.

On a length, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs it in front of cover.

Very full, on off, Nangeyalia Kharote jams it out on the off side.

Fortuin slows it up and gets the ball to turn back into the left-hander, full and around off, Nangeyalia Kharote goes for the drive and almost gets cut in half. The ball spins to catch the inside edge onto the pads.

Nangeyalia Kharote is the new batter for Afghanistan.

A confident shout for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved! There was a noise as the ball went past the bat and this time, South Africa take the review. Fortuin stays around the wicket and tosses it up nicely, full and outside off, Mohammad Nabi presses forward to defend it with a straight bat. He fails to get to the pitch of the ball and it spins away to go past the outside edge. The UltraEdge shows a spike when the ball is next to the bat and the on-field decision will have to be overturned. So, the missed opportunity of not reviewing the LBW shout against Nabi in Fortuin's previous over does not cost South Africa anything. Afghanistan are now 132/6 after 26.4 overs.

Darted in, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steers it past point for a single.

A bit more air given on this one, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets a good stride in to block it out.

Tossed up, full and turning away, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges and defends it out.

Dot to end the over. Another good length delivery angling on the stumps. Nabi pushes with an open-faced bat to point. Gurbaz on the other end wants a single but is denied. The point fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.

Back of a length delivery outside the off-stump. Nabi dabs it to backward point for a dot.

Fuller on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps the ball to long on for a single.

Bowls it up on the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the front foot out and tucks the ball to covers.

Back of a length outside off. Gurbaz punches off the back foot to left of bowler.

Hits the length hard outside the off stump line. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes the front foot out and drives the ball straight to covers.

WIDE! Starts off wayward outside the leg stump. The umpire signals a wide.

Slower and fuller, on off, Mohammad Nabi lunges and keeps it out.

A big shout for LBW but turned down by the umpire! Fortuin spears the arm ball in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nabi hangs back to keep it out but this skids through and hurries the batter. Nabi gets rushed and somehow manages to get some bat on it as he gets an inside edge onto the pads. Kyle Verreynne looks interested but Temba Bavuma is not convinced enough. Hang on, the replays have rolled in and it shows that the ball hit the pad first and it was three reds on Ball Tracking. A lucky escape for Mohammad Nabi.

Slanting in, on a nagging length, on middle and leg, Mohammad Nabi nudges it to mid-wicket.

Darted in, short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it from the crease to long on and gets to the other end.

Flat and short, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it back to the bowler.

Fortuin gives the ball air and bowls it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it back to the bowler.

Tossed up, full and wide on off, Mohammad Nabi reaches out and drives it straight to cover.

Short and around leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz wrists this one in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Short and sliding onto the pads, Mohammad Nabi works it down to long on for one.

Short and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz goes for the pull but gets an inside edge wide of short fine leg for one.

On the pads, worked off the back foot to deep square leg for a single by Nabi.

Angling away, short and on of, Mohammad Nabi flays at the delivery and gets it wide of backward point for a couple of runs.

Fired in, full and at the stumps, defended with a straight bat by Gurbaz.

Full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends it from the crease.

Short and on off, Mohammad Nabi pats it wide of cover and takes the single.

Floated up, full and on off, Mohammad Nabi drives it to cover.

Tossed up, full and on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

SIX! Launched down the ground! Looped up, full and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets his weight on the front foot and pumps it back over the bowler's head for a six.

Short and a hint of turn, on middle, Mohammad Nabi hangs back and defends it with a straight bat.

On the pads, short in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz glances it in front of short fine leg for one.

Mohammad Nabi is the new batter in for Afghanistan.

OUT! RUN OUT! Would you believe it? Third run out of the inning. Ikram Alikhil took it casually and paid the ultimate price. Markram drops it short from around the wicket, slower as well, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz shapes up for the pull but goes through his shot early and toe-ends the shot to the left of mid-wicket. Gurbaz initially takes a couple of steps for the run and seeing that, Ikram Alikhil sets off too. Gurbaz sends him back and Ikram retreats but he does not expect the diving Temba Bavuma to release the throw. Bavuma dives and picks the ball cleanly before having a shy at the bowling end and since Ikram is a bit lazy to return, he is struggling to make his ground. It is referred upstairs and the replays show that Ikram is indeed short of his crease when the stumps were broken.

Short and on off, cut along the carpet to deep cover for a single by Ikram.

TWO WIDES! Needless throw! Turning down leg, a bit of extra bounce too, short in length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz misses the tickle and it is collected nicely by the keeper, Kyle Verreynne to his left. Kyle tries to flick the ball at the stumps at the batting end but misses. The ball rolls in front of cover and the batters steal a run. Gurbaz is happy with the way Ikram responded to his call and he walks up to him to laud him.

Pulls the length back but keeps it at the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz turns this one in front of mid-wicket.

Drifting in from around the wicket, on middle, Ikram Alikhil flicks this full delivery through mid-wicket for a single.

Fortuin comes from over the wicket for the left-hander and hurls it in, on a nagging length, Ikram Alikhil gets an inside edge onto the pads as he looks to work it leg side. The ball rolls behind for a single.

Drops it short now, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it down to long off and crosses over.

Slower through the air and fuller too, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lunges and keeps it out.

Shorter and spinning away, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it straight to cover.

Pushed through, full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends it down the deck.

Floated up, full and away from the reach of the batter, Rahmanullah Gurbaz reaches out to drag the slog sweep away but misses.

Floats it up slow, on the off stump line. Ikram Alikhil taps it back to the bowler to end the over.

FIVE WIDES! Full-length delivery down the leg. The batter looks to sweep it but misses and so does the keeper. The ball runs away to the fine leg boundary and the umpire signals it as five wides.

Floats the ball up on the off stump. Ikram Alikhil offers a good front foot block.

Tossed up around off. Ikram Alikhil pushes it to short cover for none.

Full and on the stumps. Gurbaz flicks it to square leg for a run.

Good fielding by Temba Bavuma at mid-wicket top stop a certain run. Aiden Markram bowls it fuller and Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it to the left of Temba Bavuma but does not beat him.

SIX! BANG! Rahmanullah Gurbaz picks the bones out of that one! Aiden Markram drops the length short on the leg stumps and Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets back in the crease and pulls the ball up and over, to the right of deep square leg for a maximum to start the over.

On a shorter length at the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz knocks it down to long on for a single to end the over. 9 runs off the over.

On the pads, fuller this time. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it in front of deep square leg and runs a couple. Good over so far for Afghanistan.

Drops the ball a tad short around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it straight to cover.

Fuller length googly just outside off. Gurbaz punches it back at the bowler.

Floats it up on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks the ball between deep mid-wicket and long on for a good couple of runs more.

FOUR! Rahmanullah Gurbaz making it a habit to start the over with a boundary! Over the wicket, full-length delivery at the stumps and in the slot for the wicket-keeper batter. Gurbaz clears his front leg and whacks it over mid on for a boundary. No chance for the fielder in the deep.

Fires it on a nagging length at the stumps, Gurbaz nudges it in front of square on the leg side for a run.

Pitches this one fuller and outside off. Ikram Alikhil drives it to long-off for a run.

Tosses it up full and at the stumps. Gurbaz walks down and pushes off the inner half of the bat to wide mid-on for a run.

Bowls the ball on a full length at the stumps. Gurbaz knocks it back at the bowler.

Drags the length back at the stumps. Gurbaz nudges it to short mid-wicket.

FOUR! SHOT! Rahmanullah Gurbaz staying strong at one end! Aiden Markram pitches the ball slightly fuller on the stumps and Rahmanullah Gurbaz clears the front foot and slams the ball up and over the bowler's head for a superb boundary.

Short and wide outside the off stump. Ikram Alikhil gets back in the crease and punches the ball to covers to end the over.

Drops it short on the stumps. Ikram Alikhil stays back and flicks the ball to mid-wicket.

Ikram Alikhil walks in at number 6 with Afghanistan in a spot of bother. Vernon Philander on air informs us that before the start of the over, umpire Langton Rusere issued a second warning to South Africa for not starting the over within the stipulated 60 seconds. If they commit a third offence, it will result in a five-run penalty.

OUT! TIMBER! What a peach from the young leg-spinner, using the drift to get a big wicket for the in-form Azmatullah Omarzai! Peter gets his first scalp of the day and he is pumped up! Good length delivery drifting in, at the stumps and it goes on with the arm. Omarzai plays for the non-existent turn as he goes for an expansive drive. Leaves a big gap between the bat and the pad. The ball beats the inside edge of the bat and rattles the stumps. One of the two heroes with the bat for Afghanistan in the last game, Omarzai goes for 2 (4). They are now 79/4 after 16.4 overs.

Flighted leg break outside off. Gurbaz makes room and pushes it down to left of mid-off for a run.

Full and at the stumps. Gurbaz drives it back at the bowler.

Floats it up on the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers a front foot block towards covers.

Fuller outside the off stump to the set batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives the ball off the front foot to long off and walks over for a run to end a successful over for South Africa.

Just short on the leg stump. Azmatullah Omarzai stays back and flicks it to short fine leg for a run.

Fires it fast on the nagging length on top of the off stump. Azmatullah Omarzai stays on the crease and blocks it off.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to deep square leg for a run.

Bowls it up to the new batter. Azmatullah Omarzai drives it to long on for a single to get off the mark.

Drinks break! Compared to the second ODI, this has been a stronger start for South Africa. They've focused on attacking the stumps more effectively, and although a couple of dismissals have come through run outs, their bowling kept the Afghan batters quiet during the Powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, however, has picked up right where he left off in the last game and will be eager to convert this start into yet another three-figure score. As we saw in the second ODI, batting under lights proved challenging for the Proteas against the Afghan spinners and to limit Afghanistan to a manageable total, South Africa will need to continue chipping away at the wickets. Azmatullah Omarzai joins Gurbaz out in the middle.

OUT! RUN OUT! Excellent throw from the deep by Tristan Stubbs! Aiden Markram drops it short outside the off stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi slaps it to the right of sweeper covers and sets off for a quick couple. Tristan Stubbs picks up the ball at once and makes a brilliant throw, flat and on the bounce, next to the stumps at the batting end. The keeper, Kyle Verreynne barely has to move and he does the rest by disturbing the stumps. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks in trouble as the umpires refer the run-out decision upstairs. The replays show that Hashmatullah Shahidi is short of his crease and Afghanistan lose another wicket. Afghanistan are now 74/3 after 15.1 overs.

Dot to end the over. Flighted delivery on the stumps. Gurbaz pushes it back at the bowler.

Full and outside off. Gurbaz drives it to short cover for none.

SIX! Brings up another milestone for himself in style! Rahmanullah Gurbaz reaches FIFTY! Nqabayomzi Peter pitches it up outside the off stump and Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks across the crease and slog sweeps the ball in the air, targeting the square leg boundary. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets such good timing on the ball that it sails away for a huge six.

Bowls a googly on the leg stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to flick it but plays it a bit early. Chips it over mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller on the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it to long off for a single.

Zips past the outside edge off the first ball! Nqabayomzi Peter comes into the attack and straight away causes trouble for Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Pitches it up outside off and gets the ball to turn away slightly. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to block it but gets beaten.

Nqabayomzi Peter has been handed the ball now.

Floated up on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz drives it off the front foot to long on and picks up an easy single to end the over. Afghanistan going pretty well at the moment and both the batters look comfortable in the middle.

Drags the length back outside off. Shahidi rocks back and cuts it to sweeper covers for a run.

Comes around the wicket to the left-hander and pitches it up on the off stump. Hashmatullah Shahidi drives it straight to covers.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Another ball on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to the right of mid-wicket and calls for a run but is sent back by his partner.

Fuller on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to mid-wicket.

Full and at the stumps. Shahidi defends it back.

Pitches on a length outside off. Gurbaz tucks across to backward square leg for a run.

SIX! BANG! Rahmanullah Gurbaz picking up where he left off in the last game after a brilliant hundred! Wiaan Mulder pitches the ball on a good length once again on top of the stumps and Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks away to clear his front leg and slogs the ball, off the middle of the bat and hits a flat six behind deep mid-wicket.

WIDE! Tries the slower bumper outside the leg stump. Rahmat Shah sees it through and the umpire signals wide.

Comes from over the wicket to the right-hander and hits the length hard on top of the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes a foot out and tucks the ball to mid-wicket.

Keep it on the shorter length again outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi punches the ball from the crease to sweeper covers for a single.

WIDE! Too short outside the leg stump from around the wicket angle. The umpire signals wide.

FOUR! SLAPPED! Wiaan Mulder runs in from around the wicket and bangs it short outside the off stump giving Hashmatullah Shahidi ample room to free his arms and slap the ball hard, along the carpet, to the left of point for a superb boundary to start the over.

Fuller on the off stump. Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it off the front foot but straight to mid-wicket to end the over.

Outside the off stump again, slower in the air. Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it off the front foot.

Tosses the ball up slow, just outside off, and gets it to turn back in. Rahmanullah Gurbaz takes a good stride out and keeps the ball away.

Around the wicket. Full and outside the off-stump. Shahidi pushes it past the diving bowler to his right for a run.

Holds the length back on the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to deep square leg and takes a run.

WIDE! Wayward outside the leg stump. Good turn to be seen for the off spinner.

Just short on the pads. Rahmanullah Gurbaz drops the ball down off the back foot.

Aiden Markram comes into the attack now.

Dot to finish the over. Full-length delivery around off-stump line. Shahidi drives it down to covers off the front foot.

Bowls it full and attacking the stumps. Shahidi defends it back.

Back of a length slower delivery angling into the batter. Gurbaz pulls it along the ground to long leg for a run.

Runs in from around the wicket and pitches the ball full and outside off. Hashmatullah Shahidi square drives it to point for a run.

Pitches it up full length at the stumps. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to mid on for a run.

FOUR! Wiaan Mulder is greeted with a boundary as he comes into the attack! Runs in hard from over the wicket and pitches it full, around off. Gurbaz charges down and drives it along the carpet down to the long-off boundary, beating mid off to his right, for a four.

Turning in, on a nagging length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it to mid on along the ground. We are done with the first Powerplay. South Africa can now have four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during Powerplay 2, which will be in effect until the end of the 40th over.

Floated up, full and on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi closes the bat face a bit early and gets a soft leading edge down the deck.

This is fuller and quicker, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi defends it down the deck.

Pushed through, flat and short, on middle, Shahidi defends it from the crease.

Tossed up, full and turning into the pads, Shahidi clips it to square leg.

Short and wide on off, Shahidi goes for the cut but misses.

On a back of a length, punched off the back to cover by Gurbaz.

OUT! RUN OUT! Oh, how unfortunate for Rahmat Shah! This is pitched up by Ngidi, full and on middle, Gurbaz gets his weight on the front foot and drives it with a straight bat down the deck. The ball bounces off the deck as Lungi Ngidi stretches out his right hand. Gets fingertips to it and the ball deflects off his fingers to hit the right shoulder of Rahmat Shah. Rahmat is backing up too far as the ball ricochets off his shoulder and hits the stumps at the bowling end. The third umpire is called into action and the replays show that Rahmat is way out of his crease. A lucky breakthrough for South Africa.

Serves it on a length does Ngidi, on off, Rahmat Shah dabs it with an open bat face past point for a single.

On a back of a length, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it behind square on the leg side for a single.

FOUR! Smeared away! On a length from over the wicket, angling in, on middle and leg, Gurbaz gives the bowler the charge and shapes up to go over mid on. Ends up dragging it to the right of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Off-cutter from Ngidi and it is full, on middle, Gurbaz picks out and watchfully keeps it out on the leg side.

Another one fizzed through by Fortuin, at the stumps, on a length, Rahmat Shah steps out and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Pushes it through again does Fortuin, on middle, Rahmat Shah uses his feet and blocks it out.

Fired in by Fortuin, on a nagging length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz eases it down to long off and gets to the other end.

FOUR! Gets it through! Fortuin errs in length as he serves a half-tracker, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets on the back foot in a flash and cuts it in front of square. Not quite from the middle of the bat but enough to get it past cover for a boundary.

Even more air on this one, full as well, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it with the spin to cover-point.

Floated up by Fortuin, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it back to the bowler.

Angling in, around off, on a length, the ball comes onto the bat slower than the batter anticipated. Rahmat Shah bunts it with a straight bat to the left of the bowler.

A loopy delivery from Ngidi, very full, on off, Rahmat Shah picks the change of pace and waits on it before pushing it back to the bowler.

In the channel on off, on a length, Rahmat Shah makes the leave.

Rahmat Shah is the batter at number 3 for Afghanistan.

OUT! LBW! The slower ball has done the trick for Lungi Ngidi! Or has it? The debutant, Abdul Malik walks up to his partner and after a chat, he takes the review. Ngidi cleverly rolls his fingers over the ball and attacks the stumps, bowls it on a length, on middle. Abdul Malik gets on the front foot and tries to play it across the line. Plays all around it as the ball comes back in to beat the inside edge. Abdul gets rapped on the front pad, right in front of the stumps. South Africa go up in unison and the finger is raised. There is no bat involved on UltraEdge and it is three reds on Ball Tracking. South Africa have their first breakthrough. Abdul, on ODI debut, goes for 9 (19) and Afghanistan are now 27/1 after 6.3 overs.

A tighter line from Ngidi, on off, on a back of a length, Abdul Malik blocks it down the deck.

FOUR! Good proactive batting! Ngidi bowls it on a back of a length, outside off, Abdul Malik puts the dancing shoes and swipes across the line. He has no intention of keeping it along the ground and hits it well over mid-wicket for his first boundary in ODI cricket.

Fortuin slows it up, full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pats it with soft hands in front of cover and sets off for the run, only to be sent back by his partner.

FOUR! Nicely done! Fortuin continues to attack the stumps and bowls it on a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets down on one knee early and employs the sweep. Rolls his wrists nicely on the ball to control the sweep and hits it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Fuller this time, on off, Abdul Malik knocks it down to long off and crosses over.

A bit slower from Fortuin and that results in him getting a hint of away turn, short in length, Abdul Malik adjusts to the turn and dabs it from the crease to point.

Slanting in again from around the wicket, flat and short, Abdul Malik defends it off the back foot.

Skidding through, short and around the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stays on the back foot and nudges it in front of Tristan Stubbs at short fine leg for a quick single.

This nips back in off the deck, on a good length, outside off, Abdul Malik punches it with a high elbow but can't get it past the in-field on the off side.

Angling in, on a length, on off, Abdul Malik walks across his stumps and shapes up to work it in front of square on the leg side. Abdul closes the bat face early and gets a soft leading that rolls in front of cover.

Ngidi pulls the length back and bowls it around off, Abdul Malik waits on the back foot and stabs it down the deck with a straight bat.

On the sixth stump line, on a nagging length, Abdul Malik defends it right under his eyeline.

On a good length, in the channel on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz advances down the track to go back over the bowler's head. Swings a bit too hard and loses his shape in the process. Gets an inside edge that rolls down to deep fine leg for a run.

Slanting in from over the wicket, on a length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it across the line but picks out the man at mid-wicket.

Coming on with the arm, full and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets his bat out in front and flicks it past square leg for a single.

A bit of air given this time from Fortuin, on off, Abdul Malik presses forward and knocks it down to long off for one.

Aimed at the stumps again, full in length, Abdul Malik defends it with a straight bat.

Pushes it through does Fortuin, full and on middle, Abdul Malik gets on the front foot to block it out.

Flat and short, on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz turns this one wide of mid-wicket and takes the single.

Fortuin sees the batter back away but he holds his line and length, full and straight, at the stumps, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it back to the bowler.

Touch fuller from Ngidi, on off, Abdul Malik leans and drives it to cover.

Much better running this time! Ngidi hits the deck hard and bowls it on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks into the shot and punches it in front of mid on for a well-judged single.

Risky single! Ngidi bowls it on a short of a good length, on off, Abdul Malik taps it with soft hands and gets called through for a quick run by Gurbaz. Gurbaz is running to the danger end and has to put the after-burners on to make his ground. Bjorn Fortuin swoops in from point and dives in front before releasing an under-arm throw with his non-dominant right hand. Luckily for Gurbaz, Fortuin does not hit.

On a length, sliding on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz glances it down to deep fine leg and gets to the other end.

Honing in around the off-stump line, on a back of a length, Abdul Malik lets the ball come to him and steers it wide of point for a single.

In the channel on off, shaping away, on a good length, left alone by Abdul Malik.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Too straight from Furtuin, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gets into the position quickly and sweeps this full delivery fine. Beats short fine leg to his right and collects a boundary.

Speared in, on the pads, full as well, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays all around the flick and wears it on the pads.

So nearly got beaten there did Gurbaz! Fortuin slows it up nicely, fuller in length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sees the flight on offer and puts the dancing shoes on to loft it over mid on. Luckily for him, he gets some bat on it as the ball skews off an outside edge and drops well wide of short third. A couple of runs taken.

Leg bye! Fired in on the pads, Abdul Malik looks to tickle it fine but misses. The ball rolls off his pads wide of short fine leg for a leg bye.

Tossed up but the line stays on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz presses forward and wrists this one behind square on the leg side for a single to open his account.

Fortuin sprays it on the pads, on a nagging length, Abdul Malik goes deep in his crease and works it to the left of short fine leg. Gets off the mark in ODI cricket with a single does Malik.

It will be spin in the form of Bjorn Fortuin from the other end. He is starting with a slip in place.

Ngidi starts with a maiden! Ngidi attacks the stumps and bowls it a bit full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz brings his wrists into play and turns it to mid-wicket. A good start from Ngidi.

On a hard length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and gets on top of the bounce to punch it to cover.

This is angled in from Ngidi, on a back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz walks down the track and gets in line of the ball to nudge it to mid-wicket.

Beaten! This nips away slighly from Ngidi, on a good length, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to defend and expects the ball to angle into him. It goes the other way and zips past the bat.

Closer to the off-stump line, on a good length, Rahmanullah Gurbaz covers the line of the ball and defends it right under his eyes.

Ngidi charges in from over the wicket and spots the batter walking down the track. Pulls the length back and gets a hint of away shape, on a nagging length, near the tramline on off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz watchfully lets it go.

We are all set for the action to start. The two umpires make their way out to the middle, followed by Temba Bavuma and his men. Rahmanullah Gurbaz will have a new opening partner in the form of the debutant, Abdul Malik. Lungi Ngidi will start with the new ball for South Africa. Away we go!

PITCH REPORT - Niall O'Brien is near the deck. He starts by saying that it's another hot day in Sharjah with temperatures soaring to 38 degrees, and the lack of wind makes for taxing conditions. Tells that we are on pitch number 2, which is hard and true. Further says that there won't be a great deal of bounce, but a bit of turn will be on offer. Vernon Philander joins him and says that it will be crucial to bring the stumps into play. Adds that from South Africa's perspective, they haven't been able to do that effectively.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma says that the wicket became much drier in the second innings of the second game. He says that they have to perform well with the ball, calling it their first assignment, and shares that the talk has been about hitting the stumps more. Bavuma admits that they expected tough conditions, and says that the players unfamiliar with these environments have now gotten a proper sense of what to expect. He believes that going forward, they will have a better understanding of how to succeed here. Informs that Nandre Burger misses out and Andile Phehlukwayo comes in.

Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expresses confidence ahead of the final match, stating that his team wants to bat first, as batting in the daytime has proven easier. He emphasizes that they aim to put South Africa under pressure by setting a solid total. Shahidi is elated with the series win, calling it a significant achievement for Afghanistan. He notes the unwavering support from fans back home and aims to carry the winning momentum into this game. Informs that they have made three changes with Abdul Malik, Fareed Ahmad and Naveed Zadran coming in for Riaz Hassan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Rashid Khan respectively.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo (In for Nandre Burger), Bjorn Fortuin, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Abdul Malik (On debut) (In for Riaz Hassan), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, AM Ghazanfar, Fareed Ahmad (In for Fazalhaq Farooqi), Naveed Zadran (In for Rashid Khan).

TOSS - Afghanistan have won the toss and have opted to BAT first.

As we eagerly await the toss in Sharjah, why not hop over to the thrilling first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in Galle? It’s bubbling up to a nail-biting finish! The Kiwis have just lost Glenn Phillips, but Rachin Ravindra is standing firm, now joined by Mitchell Santner. With 104 runs still needed and only 4 wickets in hand, it's shaping up to be a gripping finale. Stay tuned for the toss and all the action here, but don’t miss out on the drama over there!

As we head into the final match of the series, Afghanistan will be eager to continue their dominant run, while South Africa will hope to turn things around and salvage some pride. Stick around for the toss and team news.

In contrast, South Africa's batting faltered once again. Chasing 311, they crumbled under the pressure, with only Temba Bavuma offering any real resistance. The Afghan bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan’s five-wicket haul and Nangeyalia Kharote’s four wickets, tore through the South African batting line-up, limiting them to just 134 runs. Afghanistan sealed a massive 177-run victory, underscoring their dominance in all facets of the game.

In the second ODI, Afghanistan's batting line-up set the tone for their dominant victory, posting an imposing total of 311 runs. Leading the charge was Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a brilliant century, supported by Azmatullah Omarzai’s explosive 86 off just 50 balls. Their combined efforts gave Afghanistan a platform too difficult for South Africa to counter.

A warm welcome to everyone joining us for the third and final ODI between Afghanistan and South Africa at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium. After a stunning series of performances, Afghanistan enter this match with a commanding 2-0 lead, having already secured the series win. With pride and momentum on their side, Afghanistan will be looking to complete a clean sweep, while South Africa will aim to salvage some respect in this encounter.

... MATCH DAY ...

Afghanistan and their fairytale affair with white-ball cricket continues as they face South Africa in the third and final ODI in Sharjah. After a fine showing in the ODI World Cup last year and reaching the T20 World Cup semifinal this year, Afghanistan have now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side have blown away a Proteas side that is missing a few big names but still has enough talent and experience to perform at a high level. The Afghans have been relentless with the ball so far, bundling out South Africa for just over 100 runs in both ODIs and Rashid Khan has really enjoyed his time back after the T20 World Cup. However, they were prolific with the bat as well and amassed well over 300 runs in the previous game riding on the back of a century from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and a fiery 80-odd knock from Azmatullah Omarzai. On the other hand, South Africa might be missing a few big names but even the likes of Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks have struggled so far and the batting has been in utter shambles. They will be itching to turn things around in this final match and save a bit of face. Skipper, Temba Bavuma returned for the second game and the top order looked in decent nick but chasing over 300 runs, soon the Proteas started to crumble and could amass only 134 runs in total. They really need to improve their technique of playing as Sharjah isn't that difficult of a surface to bat on in general. The bowling too was under-par in the last game with only Lungi Ngidi showing some consistency from the previous game. Afghanistan on the other hand have found some really good rhythm with the ball and have really dominated proceedings with Fazalhaq Farooqi leading the pace attack really well. Azmatullah Omarzai has grown in stature as an all-rounder and is enjoying a purple patch, especially with the bat. Can South Africa manage to regroup and find their best form to finish the tour off on a winning note? Or will Afghanistan romp to a 3-0 series win? We shall find out.