11 March 2025
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicked off in Karachi with a bang as South Africa dismantled Afghanistan by a massive 107 runs. Held at the historical National Stadium, this match showcased the skills and prowess of the Proteas, setting a formidable pace for the tournament.
South Africa's Decisive Batting Performance
Choosing to bat first, South Africa emerged with a robust score of 315/6. Key to this impressive total was Ryan Rickelton, who made headlines with his first ODI century. Smashing a commendable 103, Rickelton anchored the innings, allowing his fellow teammates to build around him. He found able support from Temba Bavuma, who contributed with a steady 58, alongside Rassie van der Dussen's strategic knock of 52, and Aiden Markram's unbeaten 52* that kept the momentum alive till the end.
With the batters performing splendidly, South Africa posted a score that put serious pressure on the Afghans, who were left with a steep chase.
Afghanistan's Struggle and Setbacks
When it was time for Afghanistan to respond, their innings faced early setbacks. Despite a commendable effort from Rahmat Shah, who valiantly scored 90 runs and tried to stabilize the innings, the team struggled against South Africa's bowling assault.
Kagiso Rabada led the destruction with sharp precision, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs. He was well-supported by Lungi Ngidi, who chipped in with 2 wickets for 56 runs. Wiaan Mulder added further pressure by bagging 2/36, which effectively neutralized Afghanistan's batting efforts. With regular wickets falling and increasing run pressure, Afghanistan's innings crumbled at 208 in just 43.3 overs.
This decisive win not only gave South Africa an excellent start to the tournament but also highlighted their balanced team dynamics. The mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise was evident, making them a team to watch in the games to come.
