Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs

Karachi (Web Desk): South Africa defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs in Group B opener of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.

The Proteas posted a formidable total of 315/6 in their 50 overs, powered by a sensational maiden ODI century from opener Ryan Rickelton.

The 26-year-old made a fluent 103 off 106 balls, punctuated with seven boundaries and a six, anchoring his team’s innings with a well-paced knock.

Rickelton’s century came after solid contributions from skipper Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram (52*), who all brought up half-centuries in support.

Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to rein in the South African batting charge, with Rashid Khan, despite his reputation, failing to take a wicket in his 10-over spell for 59 runs.

Mohammad Nabi (2/51) claimed two wickets, including a vital breakthrough early on by dismissing Tony de Zorzi for just 11.

Afghanistan’s chase was led by Rahmat Shah, who fought hard for 90 runs, but the South African seamers were relentless, picking up regular wickets and strangling the run rate. The Afghan chase stumbled as wickets continued to fall, with the side ultimately bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs.

South Africa's seam attack was clinical, as they capitalized on the pitch’s bounce and pace to stifle Afghanistan's middle order.

The Proteas’ bowlers didn’t allow Afghanistan any breathing room, and despite Shah’s resistance, the chase was always behind the required run rate. Afghanistan, making their debut in the Champions Trophy, never truly got into the contest after South Africa’s strong performance with the bat.

Markram’s quick-fire 52* in the final overs ensured the Proteas reached a total that proved beyond Afghanistan's reach, leaving them with a comprehensive victory in their tournament opener.

Afghanistan, on their historic debut in the Champions Trophy, struggled to cope with South Africa's onslaught. Their bowling attack, which included Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad, was unable to get a foothold as the Proteas piled on the runs.

The win showcased South Africa's depth in both batting and bowling, as they look to carry this momentum forward in the Champions Trophy.

Australia and England are set to face off in Lahore this Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Both teams are in the hunt for a spot in the semi-finals, with only the top two teams from each group securing their place in the next round.

Meanwhile, Group A sees a high-stakes clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan, who will meet in Dubai on Sunday. Alongside them, New Zealand and Bangladesh will battle for their chance to advance. With intense competition across both groups, every match counts as the teams fight to secure their place in the knockout stages.

Teams

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.