Afghanistan’s win over the Proteas in the first game of a three-match ODI series in the UAE showed they are not a team to bet against. South Africa is one of the best cricket nations in the world, but they are resting key players for this series. Meanwhile, Afghanistan has been steadily improving in recent years.
The Proteas got their away three-match ODI series against Afghanistan underway on Wednesday at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On paper, South Africa was a heavy favourite to win. Still, Afghanistan’s win in the first game showed that they are a much more competitive team than many realise – and South Africa cannot take victory in the next two games for granted either.
Afghanistan was not considered a serious threat to the cricketing elite for most of the game’s history, but recent results should not be ignored.
At last year’s Cricket World Cup, Afghanistan – coached by Cape Town-born former England international Jonathan Trott – upset India by eight wickets with 15 overs left, England by 69 runs, Pakistan by eight wickets with six balls to spare, and Sri Lanka by seven wickets with 28 balls left.
With four wins out of nine games, it was by far the best performance to date at a World Cup for a cricket nation, which had only gained ODI status in 2009.
Cricket is a significant source of national pride for Afghanistan, similarly to how rugby is in South Africa, but perhaps even more so given the challenges Afghanistan have faced in recent years. The Taliban returned to power in 2021, with the USA’s war in the country coming to an end after 20 years and bringing to an end the insurgency. Afghanistan will continue to play their hearts out in the UAE, a host country much closer to home for them than for the Proteas.
Afghanistan’s coaching staff has a strong South African influence even besides Trott, with Andrew Puttick serving as batting coach and Jason Douglas as strength and conditioning coach. They are intimately aware of the challenge facing them and Afghanistan are well-prepared for the series. Proteas coach Rob Walter named an inexperienced side, resting key players such as Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, Marco Jansen, and Heinrich Klaasen. Nqaba Peter and Jason Smith received their first call-ups to the ODI setup. Andile Simelane and Ottniel Baartman were also uncapped heading into this series.
Rashid Khan returned to the lineup from injury to help dismantle the Proteas batting order in the first game en route to victory and it would take a brave punter to bet against another Afghanistan victory.
Especially with the Proteas’ poor record in fixtures which they are expected to win, this series could go either way.
