Karachi – South Africa Crush Afghanistan by 107 Runs in ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. In a one-sided ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showdown, South Africa delivered a crushing 107-run victory over Afghanistan in Karachi, cementing their status as tournament contenders. Chasing a steep 316-run target, Afghanistan’s batting lineup collapsed at 208 in 43.3 overs, despite a heroic 90-run knock from Rahmat Shah.
Match Highlights: SA vs AFG
Afghanistan’s Batting Collapse
Rahmat Shah fought a single-handed struggle, hitting 90 runs off 91 balls (9 fours, 1 six), but lacked assistance. While Kagiso Rabada (3 for 42) and Lungi Ngidi (2 for 33) destroyed the middle order, Rashid Khan (18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) put up a little fight.
Proteas Commanding Total
First ODI century from Ryan Rickelton (103 off 106 balls) and strong fifties from Aiden Markram (52 off 36) and captain Temba Bavuma (58) helped to propel South Africa’s 315/6. Leading Afghanistan spinners, headed by Mohammad Nabi (2/51), were unable to stop the flow.
Key Moments
- Rickelton’s Heroics: The opening steadied the ship with 7 fours and a six before being run out midway through his ideal innings.
- Markram’s Late Fireworks: His unbroken 52 runs, SA above 300, and a 50-run partnership with David Miller.
- Rashid Khan’s Struggles: Going wicketless, the marquee leggie took 57 runs off 10 overs.
Post-Match Reactions:
Temba Bavuma (SA Captain): “The plan was to build partnerships and push for 330+. Our bowlers executed perfectly. Karachi’s pitches are high-scoring, but discipline won us the game.”
Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG Captain): “We beat SA in Sharjah recently, but today wasn’t our day. Rahmat showed grit, but we need more consistency.”
Check Also: India Beats Bangladesh by 6 Wickets in ICC Champions Trophy Match 2025
Tactical Takeaways:
- SA’s Batting Depth: Three half-centuries + Rickelton’s highlight their firepower.
- Afghanistan’s Spin Reliance: Nabi and Noor Ahmad (1/62) couldn’t replicate Sharjah’s magic.
- Karachi’s Pitch Trends: Teams continue scoring 300+ here, but SA’s bowlers proved totals can be defended.
Playing XIs:
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi