Afghanistan defeats South Africa 244 to 244 thanks to Azmatullah Omarzai’s 97

In Afghanistan’s World Cup encounter against South Africa on Friday, the young all-round player Azmatullah Omarzai made a memorable impact with an undefeated 97-run performance that lifted Afghanistan to 244 after a batting collapse.

Omarzai struck seven fours and three sixes off of 107 balls, continuing his strong performance in the event. But after failing to score off the last three deliveries of Kagiso Rabada’s final over, he was unable to earn his first ODI century.

The most productive bowler for South Africa was Gerald Coetzee, who finished with 4/44 in 10 overs.

After captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to bat first, Afghanistan got off to a solid start. However, South Africa meant business, taking three wickets for four runs to put their opponents in trouble at 45 for three in the eleventh over.

By then, it seemed like the choice to bat first was going to backfire, despite Temba Bavuma’s smart use of his resources to maintain South Africa’s lead in the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium.

But before the Proteas could rejoice over their first victory, they had to deal with a worrying situation when their bowler, Lungi Ngidi, left the field with what seemed to be an ankle or achilles problem.

But after facing only three balls, Mohammad Nabi nicked one to Quinton de Kock, and Ngidi came back to take up Shah and Nabi, leaving his side at 116 for six in the 28th over.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz reached the boundary once again after smashing lead pacer Rabada’s length delivery outside off for a six over long-on. Gurbaz struck a superb cover shot against the same bowler.

Gurbaz welcomed Coetzee to the attack with two dominant boundaries, racing to 25 off 21 balls.

Keshav Maharaj was brought into the attack by Bavuma, who was desperately searching for a breakthrough. The left-arm spinner immediately answered by getting the key wicket of Gurbaz, who edged a twisting ball to Heinrich Klaasen at first slip.

Maharaj took two wickets in rapid succession as he struck with his first delivery and also claimed a wicket-maiden. This gave South Africa some momentum, which they used to their advantage.

Though Ibrahim Zadran was anticipated to perform well following his outstanding century against Australia in their most recent match, Coetzee’s short ball proved to be the decisive blow, as the batsman gave a catch to De Kock after edging a pull shot attempt. With a record six catches behind the stumps, De Kock concluded.

After getting off to a great start with his spell, Maharaj struck once again, dismissing opposing captain Shahidi. The additional bounce placed the batsman in a difficult situation as he positioned himself to play the cut shot.

During a 44-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Omarzai and Rashid Khan kept the scoreboard moving and helped their side reach 150 before the latter was dismissed with ease.

Then, Omarzai found another capable ally in Noor Ahmad, who made a valuable 26 in a partnership that lasted 44 runs.