Rashid Khan's Historic Five-Wicket Haul on Birthday

Afghanistan cricket has scripted a new chapter in its inspiring journey, and at the center of this triumph stands Rashid Khan. On his 26th birthday, the Afghan leg-spin maestro created a unique record in ODI cricket history—something not even legends like Jasprit Bumrah, Wasim Akram, or Shane Warne achieved. Rashid Khan became the first cricketer in 53 years of ODI history to take a five-wicket haul on his birthday, helping Afghanistan seal their first-ever ODI series victory against South Africa with a commanding 177-run win in Sharjah.

This historic moment not only highlights Rashid Khan’s brilliance but also showcases the rapid rise of Afghanistan cricket as a formidable force in world cricket.

Rashid Khan’s Birthday Magic: A Record-Breaking Five-Wicket Haul

On Friday, August 30, 2025, Rashid Khan turned 26, and he celebrated it in style with figures of 9-1-19-5. His spell left South Africa stunned as they collapsed from a promising start to being bowled out for just 134 in 34.2 overs.

• First-ever five-wicket haul on a birthday in ODI cricket history.

• Previous best: Vernon Philander (4/12 vs Ireland, 2007) and Stuart Broad (4/44 vs Australia, 2010).

• Rashid’s economy rate of just 2.11 highlighted his control and dominance.

His performance not only made history but also paved the way for Afghanistan’s biggest-ever win in ODIs—a 177-run victory, surpassing their previous best margin of 154 runs against Zimbabwe.

Afghanistan vs South Africa, 2nd ODI: Match Summary

Afghanistan’s Batting Brilliance

Electing to bat first, Afghanistan put up a mammoth 311/4 in 50 overs, thanks to stellar performances from their top order:

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (105 off 110 balls) – His 7th ODI hundred, breaking Ahmad Shahzad’s record for most ODI centuries by an Afghan batter. He struck 10 boundaries and 3 sixes in his knock.

• Rahmat Shah (50 off 66 balls) – Anchored the middle overs, ensuring Afghanistan maintained a steady flow of runs.

• Azmatullah Omarzai (86 off 50 balls)* – A power-packed innings featuring 6 sixes and 5 fours, which accelerated Afghanistan past 300.

Key partnerships:

• 88 runs for the first wicket (Gurbaz & Riaz Hassan).

• 101 runs for the second wicket (Gurbaz & Rahmat Shah).

• A late flourish from Omarzai ensured South Africa faced an uphill battle.

South Africa’s Collapse

Chasing 312, South Africa started strongly:

• Temba Bavuma (38 off 47) and Tony de Zorzi (31 off 44) stitched a 73-run opening stand.

• However, once Rashid Khan entered the attack, the game turned dramatically.

• South Africa lost wickets in clusters, collapsing from 103/4 to 134 all out.

Key moments:

• Rashid Khan’s variations dismantled the middle order.

• Nangeyalia Kharote supported brilliantly with figures of 3/19 in 6.2 overs.

• South Africa lost their last six wickets for just 31 runs.

Historic First: Afghanistan Beat South Africa in an ODI Series

Afghanistan’s victory marked their first-ever ODI series win against South Africa—a proud moment for the team and fans alike.

• 1st ODI: Afghanistan won by 6 wickets.

• 2nd ODI: Afghanistan won by 177 runs (their biggest margin in ODIs).

• With a 2-0 unassailable lead, Afghanistan clinched the series with one match to spare.

This triumph further cements Afghanistan’s rise in world cricket, following their impressive campaigns in World Cup 2023 and Asia Cup.

Rashid Khan: The Birthday Boy Who Loves Records

Rashid Khan is no stranger to records:

• Fastest to 100 ODI wickets (44 matches).

• Youngest captain in ODI World Cup history.

• One of the top wicket-takers in T20 internationals.

• Now, first-ever ODI five-wicket haul on birthday.

This latest achievement adds another golden feather to his cap and reinforces why Rashid is considered one of the greatest modern-day spinners.

Afghanistan Cricket: A Rising Powerhouse

Afghanistan’s journey from refugee camps to global cricket arenas has been nothing short of inspiring. Wins like this against established giants such as South Africa showcase:

• The strength of their young batting core (Gurbaz, Omarzai).

• The world-class quality of their spin attack (Rashid Khan, Mujeeb, Nabi).

• Their growing belief and confidence against top-tier cricketing nations.

Such victories not only uplift the players but also inspire the next generation of Afghan cricketers.

Key Stats from the Match

• Afghanistan: 311/4 (50 overs).

• South Africa: 134 all out (34.2 overs).

• Result: Afghanistan won by 177 runs.

• Series: Afghanistan lead 2-0 in 3-match ODI series.

• Rashid Khan’s figures: 9-1-19-5 (first five-wicket haul on birthday in ODI history).

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 105 (7th ODI century).

• Azmatullah Omarzai: 86* (career-best strike rate knock).

Reactions & Celebrations

Social media erupted with praise for Rashid Khan and the Afghan team.

• Fans hailed Rashid’s spell as “birthday magic”.

• Cricket analysts called Afghanistan’s series win a “giant leap in world cricket”.

• Former cricketers lauded the team’s composure and fight against a strong South African side.

Conclusion

Rashid Khan’s extraordinary five-wicket haul on his birthday has etched his name into cricketing folklore. With this performance, Afghanistan not only created history by defeating South Africa in a bilateral ODI series but also sent a strong message to the cricketing world: they are no longer underdogs, but a team capable of toppling giants.

As Afghanistan gears up for future challenges, this victory will be remembered as one of their most iconic moments in international cricket—a celebration of passion, resilience, and Rashid Khan’s magic.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What record did Rashid Khan set on his birthday?

Rashid Khan became the first cricketer in ODI history (53 years) to take a five-wicket haul on his birthday. He achieved the feat on his 26th birthday against South Africa.

2. How many wickets did Rashid Khan take in the 2nd ODI vs South Africa?

Rashid Khan took 5 wickets for 19 runs in 9 overs, helping Afghanistan bowl out South Africa for just 134.

3. Did Afghanistan win the ODI series against South Africa?

Yes, Afghanistan won their first-ever ODI series against South Africa by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match series.

4. Who scored a century for Afghanistan in the 2nd ODI?

Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored a brilliant century (105 off 110 balls), his 7th ODI hundred, setting up Afghanistan’s total of 311/4.

5. What is Afghanistan’s biggest win in ODIs by runs?

Afghanistan’s 177-run victory against South Africa in Sharjah (2025) is their biggest win in ODI cricket history.