Rashid Khan Powers Afghanistan to Historic Series Win Over South Africa Despite Injury

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan pushed through a hamstring injury to deliver a match-winning performance against South Africa, leading his team to their first ODI series win over a top five ICC ranked team. His heroic effort, supported by a strong batting display, secured a historic victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Afghanistan's ace spinner Rashid Khan sustained a hamstring injury during the game but chose to remain on the field, believing that his contribution was crucial for his team's historic ODI series win over South Africa at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Rashid played a pivotal role in South Africa's downfall in the second ODI, delivering a sensational nine-over spell. Masterfully employing his craft of spin, Rashid claimed five wickets while conceding only 19 runs at an economy rate of 2.11.

Rashid's heroics, coupled with an exceptional batting performance in the first inning, enabled Afghanistan to secure their first series win against a top-five ICC ranked team. "I had a hamstring injury which I sustained a month ago. But despite the pain, I was determined to stay on the field and contribute to this big opportunity for our team," Rashid said following the historic win.

Rashid has been grappling with injuries for some time. He missed the final week of the Hundred in August due to a hamstring injury and returned to action for Afghanistan's domestic T20 league, the Shpageeza Cricket League, only to suffer a back niggle. Though omitted from Afghanistan's one-off Test series against New Zealand earlier this month, the ODI series against South Africa marked his return to 50-over cricket since last year's ODI World Cup in India. Rashid's hamstring issue resurfaced again in the second ODI while batting, necessitating immediate medical attention.

(With inputs from agencies.)