South Africa and Afghanistan are set to embark on a historic three-match ODI series in Sharjah from September 18 to 22. This marks the first-ever bilateral series between the two nations, a testament to the growing stature of Afghanistan cricket.
The series was not initially part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP), but the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) reached an agreement to host the event. CSA Chairman Lawson Naidoo hailed the series as a “significant milestone” in the partnership between the two boards.
Afghanistan’s recent performances in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 have earned them widespread recognition as a competitive all-round team. Naidoo expressed excitement about facing such a formidable opponent.
ACB Chairman Mirwais Ashraf echoed Naidoo’s sentiments, stating that the series would provide Afghanistan with an opportunity to host and play against a top-ranked team like South Africa. He expressed hope for regular future encounters between the two nations.
Before heading to the UAE, South Africa will face West Indies in a two-Test and three-T20I series in the Caribbean starting August 7. For Afghanistan, the South Africa series comes on the heels of their maiden Test against New Zealand in Greater Noida, India, scheduled for September 9 to 13.
The South Africa-Afghanistan ODI series will provide both teams with valuable preparation ahead of their respective international commitments. South Africa will face Ireland in a two-T20I and three-ODI series in Abu Dhabi starting September 27, while Afghanistan will participate in the Asia Cup 2024 in September.
