'World Cup semifinal was a fluke' - Fans react to South Africa's dramatic collapse against Afghanistan

Afghanistan and South Africa faced off each other in the first ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday, September 18, at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. This series is special for both nations as this is their first 50-over bilateral series against each other. Before this, both sides faced each other in the last two 50-over World Cups. Notably, it is the 250th ODI game at the venue.

Proteas skipper Aiden Markram called it correctly at the toss and opted to bat first, but little did he know that this decision would go against them. Facing a strong Afghan bowling line-up, the South African side got off to a dreadful start, losing their opener Reeza Hendricks for a mere nine runs.

Markram, who walked in early to partner up with Tony de Zorzi, had the responsibility to control the innings. But just as he was settling in, Fazalhaq Farooqi's brilliant delivery sent him packing at a score of just two. His partner de Zorzi also walked back to the dressing room in no time, which put the visitors on the backfoot.

Also Read: AFG vs SA: Sharjah set to host historic 250th ODI match

With the top three batters perishing early, it was on South Africa's middle order to control the wobbling ship. Tristan Stubbs, who is playing his second ODI, had a lot to prove but was a guest for five minutes as spinner AM Ghazanfar got better off him and sent him back to the dressing without making any contributions to the scorecard.

Ghazanfar struck once again in the same over as he got rid of Jason Smith who also walked back after scoring a duck. With the scoreboard reading 29/5, the Proteas were in desperate need of a partnership, but Hashmatullah Shahidi and his bowlers kept adding relentless pressure on the opposition. Wicketkeeper-batter Kyle Verreynne's two boundaries did give some relief to his teammates sitting in the changing room, but soon he also was dismissed by Ghazanfar.

Meanwhile, South Africa's only wish was that one of their batters holds on to one end, which Wiaan Mulder is doing at his fullest capability. Though Mulder tried everything from one side, his colleagues weren't supporting him as Andile Phehlukwayo gave his wicket away in a funny runout manner. Bjorn Fortuin stayed for some time at the crease, adding 16 runs to the tally, but became a victim of star legspinner Rashid Khan.

South Africa were eventually dismissed for 106, with Farooqi bagging four and Ghazanfar taking three wickets. Meanwhile, Rashid claimed two wickets.

Here's how the fans reacted to South Africa's batting collapse in the first AFG vs SA ODI: