Afghanistan beat South Africa by 177 runs in the second ODI on Friday, to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the three-match series here, for their first-ever triumph over the Proteas.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz became Afghanistan’s most prolific ODI centurion as the team reached 311/4 in 50 overs and then Rashid Khan, celebrating his 26th birthday, took five wickets to skittle out South Africa for 134.

The Afghans won the opening ODI on Wednesday by six wickets. The final game is on Sunday.

Afghanistan were always on top, after winning the toss and electing to bat, putting the South African attack to the sword from the start as the flat track offered little for the bowlers to work with. Gurbaz’s knock of 105, along with Azmatullah Omarzai’s unbeaten 86, ensured they posted an imposing target.

South Africa made a positive start to their reply as captain Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi put on 73 for the first wicket. But Rashid was the destroyer-in-chief with 5/19 in nine overs.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 311/4 in 50 ovs (R. Gurbaz 105, A. Omarzai 86 n.o.; L. Ngidi 1/50) South Africa 134 in 34.2 ovs (T. Bavuma 38; R. Khan 5/19). Afghanistan won by 177 runs.