Champions Trophy: South Africa stun Afghanistan with 107- run victory

South Africa secured a convincing 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Group B match held at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi.

Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa posted an impressive total of 315/6 in 50 overs. The team suffered an early blow when Tony de Zorzi was dismissed for just 11 runs at 28/1. However, Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. Rickelton played a magnificent knock, scoring a century with 103 runs, while Bavuma contributed 58 runs. The duo took the team’s total to 157 runs before Bavuma was dismissed.

Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram continued the momentum, both scoring 52 runs each to ensure a competitive total for South Africa. Afghanistan’s bowling unit struggled to contain the runs, with Mohammad Nabi taking two wickets, while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Noor Ahmad picked up one wicket each.

Chasing a target of 316, Afghanistan’s batting lineup failed to build strong partnerships and was bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. Rahmat Shah put up a valiant effort, scoring a brilliant 92-run knock, including nine fours and a six. His innings was the only significant resistance against the South African bowlers. Ikram Alikhil added 54 runs, while Ibrahim Zadran (17), Sediqullah Atal (16), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) struggled to make an impact.

The middle and lower order failed to contribute significantly, with Mohammad Nabi (8), Gulbadin Naib (13), Rashid Khan (18), and Noor Ahmad (9) failing to capitalize. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was dismissed for a duck.

South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack ensured Afghanistan never got close to the target, securing a comfortable win in their opening game of the tournament.