In the third and final ODI in Sharjah, South Africa defeated Afghanistan with a consoling victory thanks to a coordinated bowling attack and a masterful batting showing.
Despite losing the series, South Africa got off to a strong start with the ball, taking two wickets in the first ten overs to seize early advantage.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz was fine despite those two defeats, hitting regular boundaries. Gurbaz was back in form, hitting sixes at will, having just scored a century to help Afghanistan win the series. But South Africa ran through the middle order due to a collapse that started with the third wicket.
"At one end, Gurbaz was thriving, but Afghanistan suffered from unnecessary runouts. Up to eight hitters were out for single-digit scores in an impressive display.
Gurbaz found the fielder at cover point, falling 11 short despite smashing four sixes and appearing reasonable for another century.
On the Betpro website, viewers could see the live action and track the match statistics as Afghanistan's innings unfolded. In the end, Afghanistan scored just 169 with 16 overs remaining in the innings."
South Africa took a calm approach as the top three went off to starts, hoping for a consolation victory. They gave their side a little fright at 80/3, but none of them could take the lead.
However, Markram and Tristan Stubbs ensured nothing to worry about. They also benefited from Rashid Khan's absence, as the pair breezed through the middle portion with little concern.
Markram cleared the ropes three times during the process, including twice in one over off Mohammad Nabi. He eventually helped himself to a well-deserved half-century, Stubbs at the other end as second fiddle. The final touches were put in place by an undefeated 90-run stand between the two batters.
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Brief scores: Afghanistan lost against South Africa 170/3 in 33 overs (Aiden Markram 69*) by 7 wickets after scoring 169 in 34 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 89; Andile Phehlukwayo 2/17, Lungi Ngidi 2/22).