South Africa secured a seven-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the third ODI in Sharjah, avoiding a series whitewash on Sunday.
The Proteas chased down Afghanistan's target of 170 after a scare at 80/3, thanks to a crucial 90-run partnership between Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs. Markram remained unbeaten on 69, and Stubbs contributed 26 not out.
Afghanistan had already won the series by triumphing in the first two matches but struggled with their batting in the final game. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring 89 off 94 balls. His dismissal at 132/7 led to a collapse, with key batsmen Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, and Ikram Alikhil getting run out.
Afghanistan's innings ended at 169, with tail-ender AM Ghazanfar adding 31* off 15 balls.
South Africa, who had struggled with the bat in the previous two games, found the going easier against an Afghan attack missing Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed satisfaction with the performance, saying, "We were quite clinical with the bat. In terms of the series, not what we planned for, but I'm happy with the performance today."
Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi commented on the match and series, stating, "Feeling very happy with the series win. I would be more happy if we had won this match, but today, the run-outs were a big reason why we didn’t finish on top."
South Africa ended the series positively with this win, while Afghanistan celebrated a historic 2-1 series victory.
