Rashid Khan was in spectacular form for Afghanistan during the second ODI against South Africa in Sharjah on Friday. The Afghanistan star delivered a five-wicket haul as Afghanistan restricted South Africa to a mere 134 while defending a total of 311.
In doing so, Rashid achieved a milestone, becoming the first cricketer in the 53-year history of ODI cricket to take a five-wicket haul on his birthday.
Rashid celebrated his 26th birthday on Friday. Prior to this, the best ODI figures by a bowler had been 4/12 by Vernon Philander against Ireland in Belfast in 2007 and 4/44 by Stuart Broad against Australia in Cardiff in 2010.
A remarkable five-wicket haul by spinner Rashid Khan propelled Afghanistan into the history books on Friday, as they captured their first ODI series victory against South Africa with a stunning 177-run win in the second match of the three-match series.
This 177-run triumph stands as Afghanistan’s largest victory margin in ODIs surpassing their previous best of a 154-run win against Zimbabwe. Having won the first match by six wickets on Wednesday – Friday’s victory secured an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series marking a memorable win against another Test-playing nation.
Opting to bat first Afghanistan capitalized on a dazzling century from opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, alongside half-centuries from Rahmat Shah (50) and Azmatullah Omarzai (86 not out), to post an imposing total of 311/4 in their 50 overs.
In response South Africa was unable to build on a promising 73-run opening partnership as they suffered a middle and lower-order collapse and were bowled out for 134 in 34.2 overs facing a significant defeat with about 15 overs remaining.
Rashid Khan’s impressive bowling figures stood at 9-1-19-5, while Nangeyalia Kharote took 5-19 runs, contributing to Afghanistan’s significant victory.
