South Africa wrapped up a much-needed victory over Afghanistan, chasing down 170 to win by seven wickets in the final match of their three-game series. Though Afghanistan had already claimed the series 2-1, South Africa ended on a high, securing their ninth successful run chase out of 22 matches since 2021. After being outclassed in the first two matches, the Proteas found their rhythm, with strong performances from their bowlers and fielders, who restricted Afghanistan to 169 in just 34 overs.
Aiden Markram, finally back in form, reached his first ODI half-century in 10 innings. He built a steady 90-run partnership with Tristan Stubbs, who, despite being early in his ODI career, held his nerve to finish the match. Stubbs' ability to spend time at the crease was crucial in securing the win.
Afghanistan, missing key players Rashid Khan due to injury and Fazalhaq Faooqi who was rested, lacked the sharpness in their attack. They were also left with a below-par total to defend due to several batting errors. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the standout batter, once again anchored the innings, scoring 89 and falling just short of his second consecutive century. However, his efforts weren’t enough to prevent Afghanistan’s collapse, with only AM Ghazanfar offering some late resistance with 31 off 15 balls.
South Africa’s early momentum came from a strong new-ball performance by Lungi Ngidi and Bjorn Fortuin, coupled with sharp fielding that resulted in three key run-outs. Ngidi claimed the wicket of debutant Abdul Malik early and delivered a crucial blow by running out Rahmat Shah in an unfortunate ricochet off his hand. Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi also fell to a run-out, showcasing a lack of urgency, giving South Africa an advantage they had missed in earlier games.
Despite Gurbaz's valiant 47-ball fifty, his partners continued to falter. Miscommunication saw Ikram Alikhil run out by Temba Bavuma, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Mohammad Nabi, Afghanistan's last recognised batter, could only contribute 5 before edging Fortuin to Kyle Verreynne.
Gurbaz’s hopes for a century ended when he tried to loft Andile Phehlukwayo over extra cover but was caught brilliantly by Reeza Hendricks. Phehlukwayo quickly followed that wicket with another, and Ngidi and Nqaba Peter polished off the tail. Afghanistan were bowled out in 34 overs, leaving South Africa with a manageable target.
While South Africa's batting had struggled throughout the series, they showed improvement in this match. Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi had a cautious start but eventually capitalised on Afghanistan’s 19-year-old left-armer Naveed Zadran. De Zorzi had some lucky escapes before being trapped lbw by Nabi, and Reeza Hendricks’ poor form continued as he fell cheaply again.
Markram, taking responsibility for the chase, guided the innings alongside Stubbs, playing calculated shots and increasing the tempo when necessary. Markram’s controlled aggression against the spinners paid off, as he struck two sixes off Nabi to bring up his fifty. Stubbs, given out lbw on 18, successfully reviewed the decision and carried his side to victory in 33 overs, with Markram finishing unbeaten on 69 off 67 balls.