Karachi: South Africa has made early inroads as Afghanistan faces a daunting chase of 316 on a challenging Karachi surface. Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started cautiously, but the pressure quickly mounted. Marco Jansen’s tight opening spell ensured a slow start, and Lungi Ngidi delivered the first breakthrough with a sharp bouncer, forcing Gurbaz (10) into a mistimed shot to short fine leg.
With the required run rate creeping up, Kagiso Rabada struck in his first over, dismissing Zadran (18) after being hit for a six. A fired-up Rabada sent the middle stump cartwheeling, putting Afghanistan in trouble at 38/2 in 9.4 overs.
Jansen continued his disciplined bowling, even delivering a maiden over, increasing the pressure on Afghanistan. With their top order struggling, Afghanistan now relies on their middle order, including captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, to stabilize the innings and build a strong partnership.
With South Africa’s pace attack in full control, Afghanistan needs a big effort to stay in the game.
