Bowlers star as Afghanistan record famous victory against Proteas in Sharjah

The Proteas, who won the toss and opted to bat first, put on a shambolic batting display as they slipped to 106 all out in just 33.3 overs.

Wiaan Mulder top-scored with a fighting 52 off 84 balls, his first fifty in international cricket, but it was a rather sorry batting effort from the South Africans.

Aiden Markram's charges slipped to 36-7 in the 10th over and it seemed they would be bowled out for their record ODI total which is still at 69.

Mulder led a brief recovery, putting on a 39-run partnership with Bjorn Fortuin (16) and then adding a further 30 with number 10 Nandre Burger.

Afghanistan spinner AM Ghazanfar was causing havoc and finished with figures of 3-20 in 10 overs while left-arm paceman Fazalhaq Farooqi took 4-35 in seven overs.

The Proteas started well with the ball and reduced Afghanistan to 38-3 with seamer Lungi Ngidi and spinner Bjorn Fortuin (2-22) picking up the wickets.

The hosts though settled the nerves with Azmatullah Omarzai hitting 25 and former captain Gulbadin Naib striking 34 from just 27 balls to complete a famous victory.

The Proteas will have to regroup before Friday's second ODI that will also be played in Sharjah.