South Africa will begin their historic ODI series against Afghanistan without their captain, Temba Bavuma, who has been sidelined by illness. The first match of the series is set to take place in Sharjah on Wednesday, marking the first time these two sides will face off in a bilateral One-day International series outside of ICC tournaments. 

In Bavuma's absence, Aiden Markram will take the helm as the Proteas' captain.