Proteas crushed in shock defeat to Afghanistan

South Africa were annihilated on Wednesday, falling to their first ever defeat to Afghanistan in their international (ODI) clash in Sharjah.

Playing with a second-string squad, in their first ODI in nine months, the Proteas were given a wake-up call against the fastest rising team in global cricket.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the SA team completely collapsed, and they were left flailing at 36/7.

It was only a middle-order contribution from Wiaan Mulder that carried them beyond the 100-run mark, with Mulder hitting 52 off 84 balls, guiding South Africa to 106 all out in the 34th over of their innings.

Seam bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/35) and spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (3/20) spearheaded Afghanistan’s attack.

Historic victory

In response, Afghanistan coasted to 107/4, securing a six-wicket win with 24 overs to spare and earning their first victory over the Proteas in any format.

Gulbadin Naib, who made 34 not out, top-scored for Afghanistan with the bat, while Bjorn Fortuin took 2/22 for the Proteas with the ball.

The second game of the three-match ODI series between South Africa and Afghanistan will be played in Sharjah on Friday and the third and final game will be contested at the same venue on Sunday.