South Africa suffered a batting collapse against Afghanistan in their first ODI of the three-match series on Wednesday. The Proteas were dismissed for just 106 runs as the Afghans dazzled with the ball.
The two nations locked horns in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) - acting as the home of Afghanistan - for a three-match ODI series ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
South Africa's 106 in Sharjah makes an entry in the ten lowest scores they have ever registered in the history of the ODI format. The score not only displayed South Africans' batting woes but also demonstrated the kind of dominance the Afghanistan bowling unit has shown off late in international cricket.
The Afghans made it to the semi-finals of the recent T20 World Cup 2024, on the back of a superb bowling display in the United States. And guess who beat them in the final four at the WC? Yes, South Africa.
The 106-run innings saw a half-century on display. Wiaan Mulder hit a 52-run knock under pressure, with wickets tumbling from the other end.
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What is South Africa's lowest total in ODIs?
South Africa posted their lowest-ever ODI total over three decades ago, in 1993. Chasing a mediocre target of 173, the Proteas were bundled for 69 in just 28 overs, in the fourth match of the Benson & Hedges World Series.
An all-round effort from Australia's bowling unit meant they beat their opponents by a whopping 103-run margin. Paul Reiffel was the pick of the bowlers, with 4/13 in his eight overs. Glenn McGrath and Steve Waugh bagged two wickets each.
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Top 10 lowest ODI totals by South Africa
| Score | Opponent | Overs | Run Rate | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | Australia | 28.0 | 2.46 | Sydney | 14 Dec, 1993 |
| 83 | India | 27.1 | 3.05 | Kolkata | 05 Nov, 2023 |
| 83 | England | 23.0 | 3.60 | Nottingham | 26 Aug, 2008 |
| 83 | England | 20.4 | 4.01 | Manchester | 22 July, 2022 |
| 99 | India | 27.1 | 3.64 | Delhi | 11 Oct, 2022 |
| 101 | Pakistan | 26.5 | 3.76 | Sharjah | 28 Mar, 2000 |
| 106 | Australia | 38.3 | 2.75 | Sydney | 22 Jan, 2002 |
| 106 | Afghanistan | 33.3 | 3.16 | Sharjah | 18 Sep, 2024 |
| 107 | England | 32.1 | 3.32 | Lord's (London) | 12 Jul, 2003 |
| 108 | New Zealand | 34.1 | 3.16 | Brabourne (Mumbai) | 16 Oct, 2006 |
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