Afghanistan are set to stage their first-ever bilateral series against South Africa starting with an ODI on Wednesday 18 September. James Richardson previews the opening game.
Afghanistan v South Africa – First ODI
Wednesday 18 September 2024 – 14:00
Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The two sides have met twice in ODI cricket with both clashes coming at the Cricket World Cup and South Africa winning them.
Afghanistan have a decent record in Sharjah, winning 16 of their 25 ODIs at the venue. Meanwhile, South Africa are even more impressive having won 10 of their 12 ODI’s at the Emirati ground.
Afghanistan missed out on a Test match against New Zealand last week due to rain and their last international was their T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa where they suffered a blowout loss.
The Afghanistan ODI team will be led by Hashmatullah Shahidi in the upcoming three-match series in the United Arab Emirates while batter Rahmat Shah will be his deputy.
Rashid Khan’s return from injury is a massive boost for Afghanistan but they have suffered several injury setbacks.
Afghanistan will be without the services of top-order batter Ibrahim Zadran who has been ruled out of the series due to a left ankle sprain. Additionally, world-class mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman is yet to recover from a right phalanx sprain that has sidelined him for some time.
South Africa are eager to use this series to blood fresh talent and ensure that the depth of the national team squads are enhanced across the board.
Temba Bavuma will lead the relatively young squad in the upcoming ODI series in Sharjah with all-rounder Andile Simelane, batter Jason Smith and spinner Nqaba Peter receiving their maiden ODI call-ups against Afghanistan.
Lungi Ngidi has recovered from his injury and has been included in the ODI squad to make his international return having picked up an injury in the first Test in the West Indies.
This series is a great opportunity for Andile Phehlukwayo to stake a claim for some more cricket after his recent technical improvements.
Verdict: South Africa 52/100
South Africa should still be strong enough to overpower Afghanistan but this is a great chance for the Asian side to pick up a first win over the Proteas in the ODI game.
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