Karachi: South Africa secured a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the opening Group B match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held at the National Bank Cricket Stadium.
Winning the toss, South Africa opted to bat first and posted a formidable total of 315/6 in 50 overs. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a superb century, while Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram contributed crucial half-centuries.
Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, losing their first wicket at just 16 runs. By the 23rd over, half the team was back in the pavilion with only 89 runs on the board. Despite a resilient knock of 92 runs from Rahmat Shah, no other batter could provide substantial support.
The Afghan innings folded for 208 in the 44th over as South African bowlers maintained relentless pressure.
For the Proteas, Rickelton’s 103-run innings set the foundation, while Van der Dussen and Markram’s quickfire fifties strengthened their total. On the bowling front, Mohammad Nabi claimed two wickets, while Noor Ahmad, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Fazalhaq Farooqi took one each, but they couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from suffering a heavy defeat
