Afghanistan vs South Africa Match Overview
Afghanistan (AFG) took on South Africa (SA) in the third match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday, February 21, at the National Stadium in Karachi. South Africa posted a total of 315 runs for the loss of six wickets on the board. In reply, Afghanistan were bundled out for just 208 runs in 43.3 overs and lost the match by 107 runs.
First Innings: Ryan Rickelton’s Batting Show
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat. Ryan Rickelton made it to the playing 11 as Heinrich Klaasen was ruled out of the match. Rickelton came out to open the innings along with Tony de Zorzi.
De Zorzi couldn’t do much and was dismissed in the sixth over for 11 runs. Temba Bavuma joined Rickelton in the middle and the duo added 129 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma had to walk back after scoring 58 runs off 76 deliveries.
The likes of Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram also scored a half-century for the Proteas. However, Rickelton was the man who ran the show for the team and was run out after making 103 runs off 106 deliveries.
South Africa finished with a total of 315 runs for the loss of six wickets at the end of the 50th over mark. Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan and had two wickets to his name.
Second Innings: Afghanistan’s Struggle against Proteas’ speedsters
Afghanistan faced early setbacks as openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were dismissed quickly, followed by Sediqullah Atal, who was run out. The team’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, also fell without scoring, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 50 runs for the loss of four wickets.
Rahmat Shah tried to stabilize the innings, but the team struggled to form any significant partnerships. Proteas’ bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, maintained tight lines, while Wiaan Mulder effectively used his cutters, and Keshav Maharaj slowed the game down, keeping Afghanistan under pressure.
As wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, Afghanistan was eventually all out for 208 runs. Rahmat Shah, who played well, unfortunately missed out on reaching a century, finishing with 90 runs.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Performances & Player of the Match
Ryan Rickelton (South Africa)
- He won the Player of the Match award.
- He scored his maiden century in ODIs.
- He was run out after making 103 runs off 106 deliveries.
Rahmat Shah (Afghanistan)
- He was the only batter who scored more than 20 runs for Afghanistan.
- He missed on a well-deserved century as he was dismissed after making 90 runs off 92 deliveries.
Temba Bavuma (South Africa)
- The skipper led the Proteas from the front.
- Bavuma has now scored two half-centuries and a century in his last five overall outings.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa)
- He delivered his best performance in the Champions Trophy.
- He took three wickets for 36 runs in 8.3 overs.
Wiaan Mulder (South Africa)
- He was one of the most economical bowlers for South Africa.
- Took two wickets for just 36 runs in nine overs.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Match Summary
South Africa had a perfect start to their campaign and have a great chance to make it to the semi-final now. Afghanistan will have to go back to the board and make some serious adjustments before their next game.
South Africa will challenge Australia in their next game. The two finalists of the World Test Championship will meet before the final showdown. Afghanistan will take on the former World Champions, England, in their next outing on Wednesday, February 26.
