Cricket Highlights, February 21: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (3rd Match) – SA vs AFG

SA vs AFG (3rd Match) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling encounter between SA and AFG in the 3rd match of Group B at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, held in Karachi on February 21. South Africa showcased their dominance with a commanding performance, posting an impressive total of 315/6. Afghanistan, in response, struggled to keep up with the required run rate and were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, handing South Africa a convincing 107-run victory.

Opting to bat first, SA got off to a steady start despite losing Tony de Zorzi early for 11. Captain Temba Bavuma then partnered with Ryan Rickelton, and the duo stitched together a solid 129-run partnership. Rickelton was the star of the innings, playing a controlled knock of 103 off 106 balls, anchoring the innings beautifully. His innings was laced with seven boundaries and a six, ensuring South Africa built a strong platform.

Bavuma played a composed knock, scoring 58 off 76 balls, before being dismissed by Mohammad Nabi. After his departure, Rassie van der Dussen provided the innings with much-needed impetus, smashing 52 off just 46 balls. His quickfire knock included three fours and two sixes before he was dismissed by Noor Ahmad.

The finishing touches were applied by Aiden Markram, who played a blistering knock of 52 off 36 balls, accelerating the scoring rate with six fours and a six. David Miller (14) and Wiaan Mulder (12*) also chipped in towards the end, ensuring South Africa reached an impressive total of 315/6. Afghanistan’s bowlers had a tough outing, with Mohammad Nabi (2/51) being the pick of the lot, while Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed one wicket each.

Chasing 316 for victory, AFG never really found momentum as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Lungi Ngidi struck early, removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 10. Kagiso Rabada then removed Ibrahim Zadran (17) and Sediqullah Atal (16), reducing Afghanistan to 50/3. Things got worse when skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi fell for a four-ball duck, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 50/4.

Rahmat Shah tried to steady the innings with a valiant knock of 90 off 92 balls, holding one end firmly. He struck nine boundaries and a six, but lacked support from the other batters. Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 18 before falling to Rabada, while Mohammad Nabi (8) and Gulbadin Naib (13) failed to make significant contributions. Rashid Khan provided some late fireworks with an 18-run cameo off 13 balls, but by then, the match was all but over.

Wiaan Mulder (2/36) and Marco Jansen (1/32) kept the pressure on, while Rabada was the standout bowler, picking up 3/36 in his 8.3 overs. Lungi Ngidi also chipped in with two crucial wickets, dismissing Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib.

In the end, Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, falling short by 107 runs. South Africa’s comprehensive victory reinforced their strength in the tournament, while Afghanistan will have to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming matches.

South Africa vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

South Africa– 315/6

Afghanistan– 208(43.3/50)

Result – South Africa won by 107 runs

Player of the Match – Ryan Rickelton

SA vs AFG Playing XI

South Africa

Ryan Rickelton(WK), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz(WK), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(C), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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