Afghanistan vs South Africa Second ODI: Best Bets & Prediction

Many anticipated a competitive three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa in Sharjah, but few expected such a one-sided opening match. With a chance to seal the series in the second or third ODI, South Africa’s batters will need to significantly improve their approach after struggling against Afghanistan’s bowling attack on Wednesday. Have a look at our best bets and prediction for the second ODI.

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

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Fazalhaq Farooqi (4/35) and Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar (3/20) starred for Afghanistan, with Farooqi claiming his 100th international wicket in just his 33rd game, earning the Player of the Match award. Their pace and spin combination reduced South Africa to 36/7, marking their lowest-ever ODI total at that stage, surpassing their previous low of 50/7 against Australia in 2002.

Afghanistan overcame a shaky start in bowler-friendly conditions, slipping to 38/3 while chasing 107. Concerns remain around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who fell for a reckless duck, making it three single-digit scores in his last six ODI innings. Gulbadin Naib (34*) secured the win, being the only batter to strike above a 100% rate and continuing his recent form with four scores over 15 in his last six ODIs.

Wiaan Mulder’s composed 50 was nearly half of South Africa’s 106 total, with a crucial 39-run partnership with Nandre Burger (1). Outside of Mulder, only Bjorn Fortuin managed more than 15, as seven Proteas batters fell for single figures.

Lungi Ngidi led South Africa’s bowling, claiming 1/6 in four overs, including Gurbaz’s wicket. Fortuin also impressed with 2/22 from nine overs, but it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.

We expect South Africa to put up a stronger fight in the second ODI, but their batting lineup will need a major improvement to challenge this dynamic Afghanistan side. Our prediction leans towards another Afghanistan win.

Players to Watch: Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar was impressed in just his third ODI in game one, ripping out the South African middle order of Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, and debutant Jason Smith. His efforts are more remarkable when one considers he went wicketless in his first two matches against Ireland. 

Lungi Ngidi led the Proteas attack admirably in the absence of some of South Africa’s key bowlers in game one, including spin twins Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, as well as fellow pacemen Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada. His 1/6 from four overs meant that he has now claimed at least one wicket in eight of his last ten matches.

Prediction: Afghanistan to win at 2.10.

Key Stats

The average first innings score at this venue is 223. 

Tony de Zorzi has passed 25 in all but two of his six ODI matches.

Rahmat Shah has posted single digits in four of his last six ODI innings. 

Game one of this series marked the 250th ODI for Sharjah, making it the only ground in the world to pass this milestone.

Bjorn Fortuin has claimed at least two wickets in each of his last three ODIs.

Best Bets

Best Bet: Highest individual score to be under 80.5 at 1.86.

Alternative Bet: Fall of 1st wicket will be under 23.5 at 1.86.

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