South Africa and Afghanistan will be up against each other in the third match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Karachi’s National Stadium will act as the host on the 21st of February. South Africa will start as one of the favourites to win the Champions Trophy 2025 despite the absence of some key players like Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee. They have some of the best players in the world in their squad.
They have to face three strong teams in Group B like Afghanistan, Australia, and England. Their first match of the tournament could be their toughest, as Afghanistan can be difficult to handle in Asia. South African players need to be at their best to beat Afghanistan. In the last couple of years, Afghanistan has been one of the best teams in the world. Hence, one can expect a good match between the two teams.
Here is the probable playing XI of South Africa for their match against Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy 2025
Top Order –
South Africa’s top order is likely to have Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickleton, and Aiden Markram. Bavuma and Rickleton might open the innings for their side. Both of them can be aggressive at the start. However, Bavuma has slowed down at the start in the last few months. To follow them could likely be Aiden Markram, who is one of the best batters in the middle overs phase.
Middle Order
At number 4, Tristan Stubbs is likely to bat for South Africa. The emerging player might bat slightly higher than he usually does. To follow him could be Heinrich Klaasen, who is one of the best batters in the world in limited-overs cricket. He will additionally keep wickets for the Proteas. David Miller at number 6 is one of the best batters in the world. He can play both anchoring and finishing roles to near perfection.
Lower Middle Order
In the lower middle order, SA is likely to have two All-rounders in Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen. Mulder can take the new ball and swing it. Apart from it, he can be handy as a batter lower down the order. Marco Jansen at the other end will be SA’s best bet with the new ball. He is one of the best lower middle-order batters in the world and is a proven match-winner both with the bat and with the ball.
Bowlers
South Africa’s bowling suits the spin-friendly nature of Asia. Kagiso Rabada will play a key role with his experience. The right-arm pacer will be key at the death. Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could play in the XI. While Maharaj is a left-arm orthodox spinner who can contain runs from his end, Shamsi is a chinaman spinner who can turn the ball both ways and claim wickets in the middle overs.
South Africa’s playing XI for the match against Afghanistan –
Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickleton, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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