Karachi (Web Desk): South Africa set a target of 316 runs for Afghanistan in Group B opener of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi today (Friday).
Ryan Rickelton's stunning century steered Proteas to a commanding 315-6.
The left-handed opener, who has shone in Tests but never in ODIs, came up with a well-paced 103 from 106 deliveries, including seven boundaries and a six.
He anchored a substantial stand with captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a steady 58 off 76 balls. Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram also made vital contributions, each crafting half-centuries to further push the scoreboard.
Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa took advantage of a dry, cracked pitch, expertly navigating Afghanistan's spin threats. Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's premier bowler, went wicketless for 59 runs in his full 10-over spell, failing to make an impact despite the challenging conditions.
It was Mohammad Nabi who struck first, removing Tony de Zorzi early, but the Afghan bowlers were unable to stop the South African surge.
The big partnership came between Rickelton and Bavuma, whose partnership of 129 laid a solid foundation. Bavuma was eventually dismissed by Nabi, giving the Afghan fans something to cheer about, but Rickelton continued to impress. After bringing up his first-ever ODI century with a single, he was run out in an unfortunate mix-up with his partner.
A slight misstep allowed Afghanistan's wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz to break the stumps and end Rickelton’s impressive innings.
Van der Dussen’s 46-ball 52 featured two sixes and three boundaries, before being dismissed by Noor Ahmad in the 43rd over. Markram, however, provided the finishing touch, hammering 52 not out off just 36 balls, including six boundaries and a maximum, to push the total past 300.
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.
With a total exceeding 300 on the board, South Africa made a powerful statement in this crucial Group B encounter.
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.
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.
