Champions Trophy: Proteas start campaign with dominant victory against Afghanistan

South Africa scored 315 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the allotted 50 overs, beat Afghanistan by 107 runs

Web Desk

Updated 21 Feb, 2025

Sports

South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton celebrates after scoring a century during their ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. AFP

In the opening match of Group B in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa secured a commanding victory against Afghanistan, winning by 107 runs.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket Stadium, South Africa posted an impressive 315/6 in 50 overs, led by a brilliant century from Ryan Rickelton.

Chasing a target of 316, Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in the 44th over.

Half-centuries from Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram further strengthened South Africa’s total.

South Africa opted to bat first, but their decision seemed shaky early on when they lost their first wicket at 28 runs.

Toby de Zorzi was dismissed for 11, caught by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi off Mohammad Nabi’s bowling.

However, Rickelton and Bavuma steadied the innings, forging a crucial 129-run partnership for the second wicket.

Bavuma fell for 58, once again to Nabi, but Rickelton carried on, playing a commanding knock of 103 runs before being run out.

Van der Dussen chipped in with 52 runs, while David Miller could only manage 14 before being caught off Fazalhaq Farooqi’s bowling.

Markram played an aggressive unbeaten knock of 52 off just 36 balls, ensuring South Africa finished strongly. Wiaan Mulder contributed 12, helping the team reach 315/6.

Afghanistan’s bowling attack had moments of brilliance, with Mohammad Nabi picking up two wickets, while Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed one each.

Afghanistan’s chase got off to a poor start as their batting lineup collapsed early. The first blow came at just 16 runs when Rahmanullah Gurbaz was dismissed for 10. South Africa’s bowlers dominated, reducing Afghanistan to 89/5 by the 23rd over.

Afghanistan’s struggles in the chase

Azmatullah Omarzai (18), Ibrahim Zadran (17), Sediqullah Atal (16), and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (0) failed to provide resistance.

The only significant effort came from Rahmat Shah, who fought valiantly with a brilliant 92-run knock, including nine fours and a six. However, he lacked support from the other end.

Mohammad Nabi (8), Gulbadin Naib (13), Rashid Khan (18), and Noor Ahmad (9) also fell cheaply as Afghanistan was bowled out for 208.

Bowling brilliance by South Africa

Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler for South Africa, claiming three wickets.

Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder took two each, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj picked up one wicket each.

For his match-winning century, Ryan Rickelton was named the Player of the Match as South Africa kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant win.

Toss

Speaking after winning the toss, South African skipper Temba Bavuma acknowledged that the pitch looked different from typical Pakistan surfaces and said his team would need to assess conditions quickly.

He expressed confidence in his bowling unit, stating that their consistency had been a key strength, adding that they were fielding just one specialist spinner.

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted that his side would have also opted to bat first but remained optimistic.

He highlighted Afghanistan’s strong record against South Africa and emphasized the importance of taking early wickets to restrict their opponents. He also backed Afghanistan’s spin attack to play a crucial role in the match.

Squads:

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

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