Wed Sep 18 12:52:30 UTC 2024: ## South Africa Looks to Future in Afghanistan ODI Series

**Sharjah, UAE (18 Sept 2024):** The three-match ODI series between Afghanistan and South Africa kicked off today in Sharjah, marking the start of a crucial series for both teams.

The Proteas, missing several key players including Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje, are focusing on developing their younger talent pool. With the 2027 ODI World Cup at home on the horizon, this series offers valuable experience for potential future stars. Captain Temba Bavuma will also be under the spotlight, having struggled in recent ODIs with no half-centuries in his last nine matches.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan are fielding a full-strength squad and aim to build on their impressive performance in the recent T20 World Cup. Their key players, opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz and leg-spinner Rashid Khan, are expected to be dangerous on the Sharjah pitch, which favors spinners. Gurbaz has a strong record in UAE, including a century and a half-century in his last two matches at Sharjah. Khan, with 46 wickets in 19 ODIs in UAE, is also a major threat to the South African batting line-up, which will be missing several senior players.

The series promises to be an exciting one with the possibility of new talent emerging from the Proteas and Afghanistan’s experienced squad looking to capitalize on their home advantage.

Read More