Afghanistan secures historic first ODI victory against South Africa

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Afghanistan claimed their first-ever one-day international (ODI) win against South Africa in the opening match of a three-game series held in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. South Africa was bowled out for 106 runs in 33.3 overs, giving Afghanistan a target they comfortably reached to win by six wickets.

South Africa's batting lineup faced difficulties early in the game, falling to 36-7 by the 10th over. Afghanistan's bowler Fazalhaq Farooqi took 4-35, playing a key role in breaking down South Africa's top order. Wiaan Mulder led South Africa's scoring with 52 off 84 balls—his first ODI fifty. Mulder built a 39-run partnership with Bjorn Fortuin for the eighth wicket, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

In response, Afghanistan achieved the target in 26 overs, with Gulbadin Naib contributing 34 not out and Azmatullah Omarzai adding 25 not out. Their unbeaten 47-run partnership sealed Afghanistan's victory.

The victory is a notable achievement for Afghanistan, as they aim to build on this success in the remaining two matches of the series.