Markram 69 helps South Africa sign off with big win
In the absence of Rashid and Farooqi, Afghanistan's attack lacked some intensity but they did not have much to work with after the batting blunders
In the absence of Rashid and Farooqi, Afghanistan's attack lacked some intensity but they did not have much to work with after the batting blunders
Scorer: Ranjith P | Commentator: Ashish Pant
A beaming Shahidi collects the winner's trophy. The Afghanistan team line up for the winning photograph. There's Mohammad Nabi's right in front. Gulbadin Naib lifts the trophy and then flexes his muscles, like he always does. And with that, the series draws to a close as well. Not the end of South Africa's UAE trip though as they will next face Ireland in a two-match T20I and three-match ODI series in Abu Dhabi between September 27 and October 7. But that's all from us today. On behalf of Aaditya and Ranjith, this is me Ashish signing off. Ciao!
Here's the Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: Feeling very happy with the series win. Overall it was a good series and there was a lot of learning involved as well. I would be more happy if we would have won this match. At the same time, we were looking to give the youngsters more chance. Today, the run outs was a big reason why we didn't finish on top. [Young players] We have a lot of youngsters who are capable. We are trying to give them a chance. I cannot mention the names.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma: I am happy with the performance today. We were happy to up our skills today. We were quite clinical with the bat. In terms of series, not what we planned for. The guys will take a lot of experience and learning from it. Today we were clinical with the bat. Myself and Tony we had to take care of the PP. The guys in the middle carried on. There was a bit of help with the dew, the ball skidded on.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the player of the match and series: I feel really proud to perform against a quality team. It is a big achievement. Very happy with my performance. That was really special. But I feel disappointed to miss out today. To score against a quality team was special. This was a great series for me and my team. Hoping to keep this momentum for the Champions Trophy as well.
Mustafa Moudi : "Great series... wish it was a 5 matches series !!"
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9.37pm A clinical win from the South African team who would feel has come two games too late. The bowlers first put up a strong show, with Ngidi, Peter and Phehlukwayo all taking two wickets apiece. Three top-order run outs also did not help Afghanistan as they were bowled out for 169 in 34 overs. In reply, South Africa lost their openers early and the batters, in challenging conditions looked all at sea. But without the pressure of the required rate, Markram dug in. He found an ally in Stubbs with the duo adding 72 runs for the fourth wicket. Makram finished unbeaten on 69 off 67 balls with four fours and three sixes. South Africa take the final ODI but Afghanistan have won the series 2-1.
South Africa need just one to win. Surely this is the last over of the chase. Gurbaz to bowl
Scores level
SA need just two more
Jaiswal and Jayasuriya were the other big movers up the Test tables, while Gurbaz and Rashid rose on the ODI tables
In the absence of Rashid and Farooqi, Afghanistan's attack lacked some intensity but they did not have much to work with after the batting blunders