South Africa commenced their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a decisive 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their Group B encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 21, 2025.
South Africa's Innings
Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable total of 315/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
Afghanistan's Response
In pursuit, Afghanistan managed 208 runs before being bowled out in 43.3 overs.
Ryan Rickelton's Maiden ODI Century
Opening batsman Ryan Rickelton anchored the South African innings with a stellar 103 runs off 106 balls, marking his first century in One-Day Internationals.
Middle-Order Contributions
– Captain Temba Bavuma contributed a solid 58 runs, forming a crucial 129-run partnership with Rickelton for the second wicket.
–Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram added 52 runs each, bolstering the team's total.
Afghanistan's Bowling Highlights
Veteran off-spinner Mohammad Nabi was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, claiming 2 wickets for 51 runs in his 10-over spell
Rahmat Shah's Resilient 90
Despite the challenging chase, Rahmat Shah showcased determination, scoring 90 runs and holding the Afghan innings together.
South African Bowling Excellence
–Pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with figures of 3/36.
– All-rounder Wiaan Mulder supported effectively, taking 2 wickets for 36 runs.
Temba Bavuma (South Africa)
Praised his team's adaptability and the decision to bat first on an unfamiliar Karachi pitch, highlighting their clinical performance with both bat and ball.
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan)
Acknowledged the team's struggles on a pitch that offered more pace and bounce than anticipated, noting the need to regroup ahead of their upcoming matches.