Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Match 3 – Who Said What?

Afghanistan and South Africa (Source: Chris Hyde-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Temba Bavuma’s South Africa began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 107-run victory over Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. Ryan Rickelton’s century and a brilliant bowling performance from the Proteas’ pace attack, courtesy of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa reached a total of 315/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Rickelton impressed everyone with his knock, smashing a 103 off 106 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. Captain Bavuma partnered well and anchored the innings with 58 off 76 deliveries, while Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46) and Aiden Markram (50* off 34) provided strong middle-order contributions.

Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers striking at intervals, including two wickets for veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi, the Proteas kept the scoreboard ticking with crucial partnerships. Markram’s finish ensured a strong total, with the last 10 overs getting 67 runs.

Also Read: Watch: Virat Kohli gives flying kiss to Anushka Sharma after scoring his 81st century

Chasing 316, Afghanistan never found momentum as the opposition bowlers made an impact immediately. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) and Ibrahim Zadran (17) departed cheaply, putting their middle order under pressure. Rahmat Shah tried hard with his 90 off 92 balls but lacked support from the other end.

Rabada (3/36) and Ngidi (2/56) were brilliant with their line and lengths, while Wiaan Mulder (2/36) and Marco Jansen (1/32) chipped in too. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, falling well short of the target.

Talking Points from Match 3 of Champions Trophy 2025

1. Rickelton’s masterful knock headlines Proteas’ outing

Rickelton became the first-ever wicketkeeper-batter from South Africa to notch uo score a ton in the Champions Trophy. His 106-ball 103 laid the foundation of South Africa’s massive 315-run total runs in their tournament opener.

2. Rahmat Shah wages lone battle

Rahmat Shah’s 92-ball 90 included nine fours and a maximum. He fought valiantly but in vain, with the second-highest run-scorer in the team being Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan (18 runs each). 

3. Rabada rocks Afghanistan

Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers, scalping three critical wickets for just 36 runs in his 8.3 overs, including a maiden. He flattened Ibrahim Zadran’s middle stump for 17 before sending back Omarzai and Shah in his next two spells.

Who Said What?

Losing skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi

I think we were not good enough while batting. The pitch was helping them in the second innings, but the way we batted in the first 20 overs wasn’t up to the mark. I think the toss was key today, there were many cracks on this pitch. Wasn’t a typical Karachi pitch. Their bowlers though bowled disciplined lengths. My expectation was to play well, we have achieved a lot and we have the ability to fight everywhere. We have some important games left, we will forget today and look to move forward. (On Rahmat Shah) He played really well, it was an innings in tough times. Will take the positives with us and move forward, we still have a chance to play quality cricket.

Winning skipper Temba Bavuma

Clinical performance. We took the brave decision to bat first not knowing about the wicket. We were then clinical with the ball too, closest to one of our best performances. The wicket looked a lot different to what we are used to in Pakistan. The batters fronted up and we managed to get a good score. There were a lot of cracks and we expected some variable bounce, it was a bit tricky at times. The guys at the back end pride themselves on having a strong finish. With the bowlers, it was about hitting that length hard. We need to do more of the same now against Australia.

Player of the match Ryan Rickelton

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