AFG vs SA Review: South Africa thumps Afghanistan to start on a winning note
South Africa defeated Afghanistan by a convincing margin of 107 runs in Match 3 of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 21.
Opting to bat first, South Africa were off to a decent start. Though Mohammad Nabi struck on the first delivery of his spell to get rid of Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma slowly got into their groove. Rickelton got to his half-century in 48 deliveries while Bavuma brought up his maiden ODI fifty in the 25th over. However, the South African skipper holed out to deep midwicket a few overs later. At the other end, Rickelton trotted along to bring up his maiden ODI ton in the 35th over before being run out courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Rashid Khan.
Rassie van der Dussen brought up a well-paced fifty with a slog-sweep to deep midwicket. However, much like Rickelton, he too was dismissed in the next over of getting to his milestone. At the end of their 50 overs, South Africa ended up with 315 on the board. Markram remained unbeaten with 52* (36). It was one of those rare occasions where Rashid Khan ended up wicketless over his allotted 10-over quota.
A fine diving catch by Keshav Maharaj at deep fine leg had Rahmanullah Gurbaz depart for 10 early in the run-chase. A delivery after Kagiso Rabada had been clattered for a maximum, he came back emphatically to clean up Ibrahim Zadran. Wickets falling in the 14th and 15th overs had placed Afghanistan on the backfoot already, and by the halfway stage, Afghanistan was five down.
Rahmat Shah turned out to be the lone warrior and was the only batter who stood firm. Rahmat was the last Afghan player to get dismissed. His 92-ball knock comprised nine fours and a maximum. All in all, it was an all-round bowling display by the Proteas, who got off to a winning start. Rabada ended up with a three-wicket haul, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder conceded runs at an economy rate of four apiece.
Best Performers of the Match
Ryan Rickelton (103 off 106)
The southpaw never lost his tempo during his knock. His maiden ODI ton comprised seven fours and a six. The most productive shot for Rickelton was the cover drive, a shot off which he accounted for 20 runs.
Kagiso Rabada (3/36 in 8.3 overs)
South Africa’s pace-bowling spearhead was commendable with the new ball. He exhibited excellent control with his line and deservedly ended up snagging three wickets while being quite economical.
What’s next for both sides?
South Africa will lock horns with Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25. A day later, Afghanistan will take on England in Lahore. Both games are scheduled to commence at 2:30 pm (IST).
