South Africa start Champions Trophy campaign with commanding win over Afghanistan

Ryan Rickelton’s anchoring century, combined with a strong all-round bowling performance, guided South Africa to a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Afghanistan, on a challenging target of 316, were bowled out for just 208 in 43.3 overs, despite a brave effort from Rahmat Shah. The middle-order batter was the standout performer for Afghanistan, scoring 90 runs off 92 balls, which included nine fours and a six. However, he was the only Afghanistan batter to make a significant contribution, with Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai adding just 18 runs each.

Kagiso Rabada led South Africa's bowling attack, claiming three wickets. He was well supported by Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi, who took two wickets each. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen also contributed, picking up one wicket each.

South Africa's decision to bat first, made by captain Temba Bavuma, proved to be the right one as they posted a competitive total of 315/6 in their allotted overs. The Proteas faced an early setback when Mohammad Nabi dismissed Tony de Zorzi for just 11, leaving the team at 28/1 in the sixth over. 

However, Bavuma and Rickelton steadied the ship with a solid partnership. The pair added 129 runs for the second wicket, before Nabi struck again to remove Bavuma for 58 runs off 76 balls, which included five boundaries.

Rickelton continued to anchor the innings and, together with Rassie van der Dussen, added 44 runs. He brought up his maiden ODI century, scoring 103 runs off 106 balls, including seven fours and a six, before being run out by Rashid Khan.

Van der Dussen was dismissed for 52 runs off 46 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, before Afghanistan’s bowlers struck again. Aiden Markram then provided the finishing touch, scoring an unbeaten 52 off 36 balls, which included six fours and a six. He also shared a crucial 50-run partnership with David Miller, who contributed 14 runs off 18 balls.

For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 51 runs from his 10 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi also chipped in with one wicket each.

With this impressive performance, South Africa secured a comfortable win and showed their strength in both batting and bowling, making them a tough team in the ongoing tournament.