South Africa Crush Afghanistan by 107 Runs to Kick Off Champions Trophy in Style

Karachi, February 21, 2025 – South Africa started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. Ryan Rickelton’s magnificent maiden century set the stage for the Proteas, while their pace attack ensured a smooth win.

Rickelton’s Century Anchors South Africa’s Strong Total

Opting to bat first, South Africa posted a formidable 315/6 in their 50 overs. Rickelton led the charge with a flawless 103 off 106 balls, striking seven fours and a six. He shared crucial partnerships, first with captain Temba Bavuma (58 off 76) and later with Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46). Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 52 from 36 balls further strengthened the innings.

Despite a solid batting effort, South Africa struggled briefly, going seven overs without a boundary. However, a final push in the last ten overs helped them finish strong.

Afghanistan Falters in the Chase

Afghanistan, needing 316 for victory, suffered an early collapse, losing four wickets for just 50 runs. Their innings never recovered as they were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs.

The South African pace attack dominated, with Kagiso Rabada (3/36), Lungi Ngidi (2/56), Wiaan Mulder (2/36), and Marco Jansen (1/32) dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah fought valiantly, scoring a well-made 90 off 92 balls, but found little support. Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with 18 runs each, but their efforts were not enough.

Key Moments of the Match

• Early breakthroughs by Ngidi and Rabada put Afghanistan on the back foot.
• Sediqullah Atal’s run-out in the 14th over compounded Afghanistan’s struggles.
• Rickelton’s unfortunate run-out in the 36th over ended what could have been an even bigger innings.
• Markram’s quick-fire 52, the fastest fifty for South Africa in this Champions Trophy edition, ensured a strong total.

South Africa’s Quest for ICC Glory Continues

Despite their rich cricketing history, South Africa has yet to win an ICC tournament in a league-based format. They lifted the 1998 Champions Trophy, which followed a knockout structure. Last year, they fell short in the T20 World Cup final against India. With momentum on their side, the Proteas will aim to break their title drought.