Champions Trophy 2025 SA vs AFG: South Africa clinched a comprehensive victory over Afghanistan in their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Batting first, South Africa put up a daunting total of 315 for the loss of six wickets, giving the Afghans a target of 316 runs off 50 overs to win their 107-run shortfall said it all. Rahmat Shah alone resisted with 90 runs off 92 balls, but that still was not enough to save his side. Player of the Match Ryan Rickelton made a brilliant century scoring 103 runs.
South Africa’s Stellar Batting Performance in Champions Trophy 2025 SA vs AFG
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South Africa’s batting lineup was in excellent form, with Ryan Rickelton leading the charge. The top scorers were:
– Ryan Rickelton: Played a wonderful innings of 103 at the cost of 106 balls, hitting 7 fours and a six. He was the mainstay for South Africa, and he was unfortunately run out after some mix-up with Aiden Markram.
– Temba Bavuma: Bavuma made a salute-able contribution to his team of 58 runs from 76 balls and held the middle order together with 5 fours.
– Rassie van der Dussen: Van der Dussen made 52 off 46 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes in a crucial innings of the middle.
– Aiden Markram: Markram was unbeaten at 52 from 36, inclusive of 6 fours and 1 six, finishing well for South Africa.
– David Miller: Miller scored some 14 runs from 18 balls, but could not carry on and play the big knock.
– Wiaan Mulder: Mulder gave a quick-fire 12 from 6 balls with 1 four and 1 six.
South Africa’s total of 315/6 was a competitive score, with Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi yet to bat.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Struggles in Champions Trophy 2025 SA vs AFG
Afghanistan’s bowlers tried their best to restrict South Africa but were unable to break through during key moments. Here’s a summary of their performances:
– Fazalhaq Farooqi: 8 overs, 59 runs, 1 wicket.
– Azmatullah Omarzai: 6 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket.
– Mohammad Nabi: 10 overs, 51 runs, 2 wickets.
– Rashid Khan: 10 overs, 59 runs, no wickets.
– Gulbadin Naib: 7 overs, 42 runs, no wickets.
– Noor Ahmad: 9 overs, 65 runs, 1 wicket.
While Afghanistan’s bowlers did manage to pick up wickets, South Africa’s batsmen, particularly Rickelton, Bavuma, and Markram, dominated and built partnerships that led to their substantial total.
Afghanistan’s Chase: Rahmat Shah Fights Alone
Afghanistan, under Marcus Stoinis, needed to chase 316 runs, but they were dragged back with the loss of wickets at regular intervals. The South African bowlers started well and sent back key players early.
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Despite this, Rahmat Shah stood strong and played a valiant knock of 90 runs from 92 balls. His innings included 9 fours and 1 six, the highlight of Afghanistan’s reply. Unfortunately, no other batsman came to his aid, and Afghanistan could not finish the task.
Detailed look at Afghanistan’s batting performance:
– Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 10 runs off 14 balls, dismissed by Ngidi.
– Ibrahim Zadran: 17 runs off 29 balls, dismissed by Rabada.
– Sediqullah Atal: 16 runs off 32 balls, run out by Jansen.
– Rahmat Shah: 90 runs off 92 balls, dismissed by Rabada.
– Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain)**: A rare failure, scoring 0 runs off 4 balls.
– Azmatullah Omarzai: 18 runs off 27 balls, dismissed by Rabada.
– Mohammad Nabi: 8 runs off 17 balls, dismissed by Jansen.
– Gulbadin Naib: 13 runs off 19 balls, dismissed by Ngidi.
– Rashid Khan: 18 runs off 13 balls, dismissed by Maharaj.
– Noor Ahmad: 9 runs off 15 balls, dismissed by Mulder.
– Fazalhaq Farooqi: Did not get to bat.
Despite Rahmat Shah’s efforts, Afghanistan’s total of 208 runs was not enough, and they lost the match by 107 runs.
South Africa’s Dominant Bowling Display
South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, were exceptional in defending their total. They made early breakthroughs and kept Afghanistan under pressure throughout the chase. Here’s a breakdown of South Africa’s bowling performance:
– Marco Jansen: 8 overs, 32 runs, 1 wicket at an economy rate of 4.00.
– Lungi Ngidi: 8 overs, 56 runs, 2 wickets at an economy rate of 7.00.
– Kagiso Rabada: 8.3 overs, 36 runs, 3 wickets at an economy rate of 4.23.
– Wiaan Mulder: 9 overs, 36 runs, 2 wickets at an economy rate of 4.00.
– Keshav Maharaj: 10 overs, 46 runs, 1 wicket at an economy rate of 4.60.
The South African bowling attack was relentless and disciplined, preventing Afghanistan from building any meaningful partnerships.
Looking Ahead: South Africa’s Winning Momentum
South Africa will look to maintain their winning momentum as they head into their next match in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Their second ODI is scheduled for 25th February in Rawalpindi, where they will aim to secure another victory.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan will need to regroup and come back stronger. They face England on 26th February in Lahore, where they will be eager to bounce back and improve their net run rate after this defeat.
South Africa’s all-round performance in this opening match was impressive. With a dominant batting display, led by Rickelton’s century, and a disciplined bowling attack, they proved too strong for Afghanistan. As the tournament progresses, both teams will have more challenges to face, but for now, South Africa has claimed an important victory in their Champions Trophy campaign.
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