Former Afghanistan captain Gulbadin Naib showed incredible presence of mind in the first ODI of the series against South Africa. Naib was thinking quick on his feet while Andile Phehlukwayo was focused on the umpire whether he will raise his finger or not. In the first ODI of the series, Afghanistan beat South Africa to script history. Naib played a role in the win too by extending the Proteas batting collapse at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on September 18.
In the 10th over, South Africa were already six wickets down for just 36 runs. Allah Ghazanfar was making Proteas batters dance to his tunes. On the last ball of the over, there was a huge shout for lbw. Phehlukwayo was looking at the square leg umpire and left his crease while the ball wasn't dead. Naib picked up the ball and hit the stumps to catch Phelukwayo short of the crease.
Phehlukwayo looked clueless, much like when Alex Carey ran out Jonny Bairstow for leaving the crease too early after the last ball of the over was bowled.
Mulder saves South Africa from record low
The Proteas all-rounder was dismissed for a four-ball duck. Naib did not bowl a single over but South Africa were bowled out for 106 despite Wiaan Mulder's fighting knock of 52 from 84 balls. Mulder’s knock prevented South Africa from registering their lowest ODI total.
Apart from Mulder, only three South Africa batters scored in double digits. Left-arm pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi bagged a four-wicket haul. Ghazanafar claimed three wickets for 20 runs from 10 overs. Rashid Khan took a couple of wickets as well.
Naib finishes off run chase
In the run chase, Afghanistan's top-order crumbled. They lost three wickets for 38 runs. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi departed after scoring 16 runs from 29 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai and Naib ensured there is no anti-climax. The two fast-bowling all-rounders shared an unbeaten 47-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Naib remained unbeaten for 34 runs from 27 balls. He hit three fours and a couple of sixes. Omarzai hit a couple of sixes in his 36-ball 25.
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