South Africa kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in Karachi, Pakistan.
Opener Ryan Rickelton starred with the bat, scoring his maiden ODI century, a well-compiled 103 off 106 balls, featuring seven fours and a six. His efforts anchored South Africa to an imposing total of 315-6 in the Group B match at the National Stadium on Friday. Contributions from Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram (52* off 36 balls) further solidified the Proteas’ innings.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain South Africa’s batting unit, with star leg-spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless in his 10 overs, conceding 59 runs. Mohammad Nabi (2-51) was the pick of the bowlers, providing an early breakthrough by dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 11.
In response, Afghanistan faltered in their chase, getting bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. Their top order crumbled under South Africa’s pace attack, with Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36), and Lungi Ngidi (2-56) delivering clinical spells. Rahmat Shah fought valiantly, scoring 90 off 92 balls with nine fours and a six, but lacked support from the other end. He was the last man to be dismissed, sealing Afghanistan’s fate.
Afghanistan needed a strong start but lost openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) and Ibrahim Zadran (17) within the first 10 overs. Their struggles deepened as Sediqullah Atal (16) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (0) fell cheaply, leaving them reeling at 50-4. Azmatullah Omarzai (18) partnered with Rahmat Shah to take the score to 89, but the Proteas’ bowlers struck again to derail Afghanistan’s chase.
Rashid Khan entertained briefly with a quickfire 18 off 13 balls, including a six and three boundaries, but it wasn’t enough to alter the outcome.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma praised his team’s all-round effort, saying, “It was a clinical performance. Winning the toss helped, but choosing to bat first was a brave call. We executed our plans well and got a competitive total before finishing the job with the ball.”
Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted their batting shortcomings. “Our batting wasn’t good enough today. The pitch offered assistance to their bowlers, but we need to improve and play better cricket in the upcoming games,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Rickelton and Bavuma laid a strong foundation with a 129-run partnership for the second wicket. Bavuma’s steady 76-ball 58 included five boundaries before he fell to Nabi’s bowling. Rickelton reached his maiden ODI century with a single but was unfortunate to be run out just two runs later. Attempting to return to his crease after a drive off Rashid Khan, he was caught short as replays showed his bat was slightly raised when wicketkeeper Gurbaz dislodged the bails.
Van der Dussen’s attacking 46-ball 52, which included two sixes and three fours, further strengthened South Africa’s position. Markram’s explosive finish ensured they crossed the 300-mark, smashing six boundaries and a six in his unbeaten 52.
In other Group B action, Australia is set to take on England in Lahore on Saturday. Meanwhile, Group A consists of Pakistan, India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, with Pakistan and India gearing up for a high-stakes clash on Sunday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals.
