Rahmanullah Gurbaz has made a Fantastic Knock
After a dominant performance in the first ODI, where Afghanistan bowled out South Africa for 36-7 early on, Afghanistan is looking to clinch the series with a game to spare in Sharjah. Despite the extreme heat, with temperatures feeling like 49°C, Afghanistan’s decision to field at night could be a strategic move to conserve energy, leaving South Africa to face the brunt of the heat during the day.
South Africa’s Changes and Bavuma’s Return
South Africa made two notable changes to their playing XI. Captain Temba Bavuma returned after recovering from illness, adding much-needed leadership and stability at the top of the order. His comeback has shifted opener Reeza Hendricks to No. 3, pushing middle-order batter Jason Smith out of the lineup. Bavuma’s return is seen as crucial for South Africa’s chances, given the team’s struggles in the opening game.
Another major inclusion is debutant leg-spinner Nqaba Peter, who is making his ODI debut after featuring in South Africa’s T20I squad earlier this year. To accommodate Peter, South Africa adjusted their bowling attack, opting for a combination of three seamers and two specialist spinners, a shift from the four seamers used in the first match. All-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo has been left out of the playing XI, reflecting South Africa’s focus on strengthening their spin options on Sharjah’s spin-friendly pitch.
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz Updates
Afghanistan made one change to their squad, benching Gulbadin Naib, the hero who hit the winning runs in the previous game. He has been replaced by Ikram Alikhil, a wicketkeeper-batter. Afghanistan’s core strategy remains unchanged, with their potent spin trio—Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, and Nangyal Kharote—leading the bowling attack alongside seamers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai.
The team’s decision to chase in the second ODI may reflect a tactical plan to exploit the difficult daytime conditions for South Africa. With temperatures soaring, Afghanistan’s spinners are expected to play a pivotal role in putting pressure on South Africa’s batting lineup, which struggled in the first game.
Squads for the Second ODI
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Riaz Hassan, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Mohammed Nabi, Ikram Alikhil, Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Nangyal Kharote
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (capt), Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqaba Peter, Lungi Ngidi
As the series heats up, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their respective strategies and conditions to take control of the second ODI.
Read More: Afghanistan vs. South Africa: Afghanistan Makes History with First-Ever Win Over South Africa
