Twitter Reactions: Pace propels Afghanistan to first-ever ODI win over South Africa

Afghanistan took on South Africa in the first ODI at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 18. After winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first and dealt with early blows as Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram were back in the hut, scoring just nine and two runs respectively. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Allah Ghazanfar wreaked havoc and the Proteas middle order crumbled to sheer Afghani pace. 

While the top three batters of the lineup fell to Farooqi, the subsequent three were pocketed by Ghazanfar. The only substantial knock came at the end of Wiaan Mulder, as the number seven contributed a crucial 52 off 84. All it took for Afghanistan to bundle South Africans was 33.3 overs, as they were wrapped up for a meager 106. Farooqi stunned them with a four-fer and Ghazanfar, playing his only second ODI, picked three.  

Afghanistan’s chase was not a cakewalk as Bjorn Fortuin breathed fire with the new ball. Lungi Ngidi picked Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the third ball of the innings and Rahmat Shah was outdone by Fortuin. Riaz Hassan ended his arduous 16 off 35 balls knock and Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed as many runs.

The partnership of Azmatullah Omarzai and Gulbadin Naib for the fifth wicket was a much-needed one for the hosts as the duo put up 47 runs and got Afghanistan to a famous six-wicket victory. Omarzai and Naib remained unbeaten on 25 and 34 respectively. Afghanistan lead the three-match ODI series by 1-0. 

Here's how 'X' users reacted to Afghanistan's win: