The Proteas will play a historic three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in the UAE in September.

It is the first bilateral series between the sides, with all three matches set to be hosted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, on September 18, 20 and 22.

South Africa has faced Afghanistan on two occasions in 50-over cricket, during the last two world cups.

It will be their first encounter since South Africa defeated Afghanistan in the semi-finals of the recent T20 World Cup.

“These fixtures were not initially part of our FTP [Future Tours Programme],” says ACB chairperson Mirwais Ashraf.

“Still, based on our productive negotiations with our counterparts at Cricket South Africa, we concluded that we will host the Proteas for an ODI series in September.

“They are an excellent team, and we are eagerly looking forward to hosting them and playing them regularly in the future.”