Blog

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Toss & Match Start

South Africa kicked off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign by winning the toss and opting to bat first against Afghanistan. Skipper Temba Bavuma chose to capitalize on the hard pitch, favoring pace-friendly conditions at the National Stadium, Karachi.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Team News & Playing XIs

South Africa faced an early setback as wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen was ruled out due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. The Proteas fielded a single spinner, Keshav Maharaj, alongside a strong pace attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder.

Afghanistan, making its Champions Trophy debut, retained a balanced squad with spinners Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed confidence in his spin attack to challenge South Africa’s batting lineup.

Playing XIs:

• South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
• Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Batting Performance

South African openers Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi got off to a steady start. Rickelton looked in fine form, scoring freely and hitting two back-to-back fours off Fazalhaq Farooqi. However, Afghanistan struck early when Mohammad Nabi dismissed de Zorzi at mid-on.

At 28/1 in 5 overs, South African captain Temba Bavuma joined Rickelton at the crease. The duo focused on rebuilding, steadily adding runs. Rickelton reached his half-century in style, hitting two consecutive boundaries off Azmatullah Omarzai.

At 104/1 in 20 overs, Bavuma and Rickelton strengthened their partnership, ensuring a solid foundation for the middle order. The Afghan bowlers, especially Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, bowled tight spells but struggled to break the growing partnership.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Bowling Strategy

Afghanistan introduced their key spinners early to slow down South Africa’s momentum. Mohammad Nabi bowled economically, taking a crucial wicket. Rashid Khan, known for his match-winning spells, kept the South African batters under control.

At 131/1 in 24 overs, Afghanistan turned to young left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad in search of a breakthrough. With the pitch offering some turn, the Afghan bowlers aimed to tighten the pressure and break the well-set partnership of Bavuma and Rickelton.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Afghanistan’s Recent Performance

Afghanistan entered the Champions Trophy 2025 after an impressive run in ODI cricket, winning four of their last five bilateral series. Their previous victory against South Africa (2-1 at Sharjah) boosted confidence ahead of this high-stakes clash.

In recent ICC tournaments, Afghanistan has emerged as a strong force in white-ball cricket. They narrowly missed the 2023 World Cup semifinals but later secured a historic spot in the T20 World Cup semifinals.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Proteas’ Champions Trophy History

South Africa, the 1998 Champions Trophy winners, entered this edition with a full-strength squad. Despite losing six consecutive ODIs due to squad rotations, they remained a formidable side.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: What’s Next?

With a strong opening partnership in place, South Africa aims for a competitive total. Afghanistan, on the other hand, must capitalize on spin-friendly conditions to restrict the Proteas.

Stay tuned for live updates, match highlights, and expert analysis of South Africa vs Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy 2025!

Published By:

Techiebhaiya