AFG vs SA: Aiden Markram's gritty knock powers South Africa to 7-wicket consolation win over Afghanistan in 3rd ODI

South Africa managed to notch a consolation win over Afghanistan in the third and final ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 22, Sunday.

However, Afghanistan had already clinched the three-match ODI series but South Africa made a comeback in the last match and registered a convincing seven-wicket win to avoid a whitewash. 

Aiming for a clean sweep, the Afghan team faced a determined South African side in the third ODI. South Africa managed to salvage some pride and chased down a facile target of 170 runs with 17 overs to spare.

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Afghanistan, batting first, could only muster 169 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer with a rapid 89 runs, but he didn't get any support from the other batters, whichh resulted in Afghanistan's batting fiasco. The entire team was bundled out in just 35 overs. South Africa's bowling attack was led by Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, and Andile Phehlukwayo, who each claimed two wickets. Bjorn Fortuin also contributed with one wicket.

Aiden Markram takes South Africa in easy chase

In reply, South Africa chased down the target comfortably in just 34 overs as they lost just three wickets in the process. Aiden Markram was the star for the Proteas, playing a crucial innings. Markram scored an unbeaten 69 riding on four fours and three sixes. Tristan Stubbs also scored an unbeaten 26 off 42 in South Africa's win.

Gurbaz shines alone for Afghanistan

Once again, Afghanistan's opening batsman Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a brilliant innings, scoring a quickfire 84 runs. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalise on this start. After Gurbaz's dismissal, Afghanistan lost seven wickets for just 132 runs.

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After struggling in the previous two matches, South Africa produced an all-round performance. Their bowlers, led by Lungi Ngidi, restricted Afghanistan to a low total. In their chase, South Africa lost early wickets but Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs steadied the innings and guided their team to victory. Markram scored a well-crafted 67-ball knock, while Stubbs played a supporting role. Meanwhile, Tony de Zorzi (26) and captain Temba Bavuma (22) made valuable contributions to South Africa's victory. Allah Ghazanfar, Mohammad Nabi, and Fareed Ahmad were the wicket-takers for Afghanistan. 

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