A valiant 90-run knock by Rahmat Shah was not enough to steer Afghanistan past the finish line as they succumbed to a 107-run defeat against South Africa in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener at the National Stadium on Friday.
Match Summary
🔹 South Africa: 315/6 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 103, Temba Bavuma 58; Mohammad Nabi 2/51)
🔹 Afghanistan: 208 all out in 43.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 90, Rashid Khan 18; Kagiso Rabada 3/36)
🔹 Result: South Africa won by 107 runs
South Africa’s Dominant Batting Display
Winning the toss, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma opted to bat first. The innings was anchored by Ryan Rickelton, whose maiden ODI century (103 off 108 balls) laid a solid foundation. After the early dismissal of Tony De Zorzi (11), Bavuma (58) partnered with Rickelton to stabilize the innings with a crucial 97-run stand.
Late contributions from Rassie van der Dussen (51) and Aiden Markram (50*) pushed South Africa to a formidable total of 315/6. Afghan spinner Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers, returning figures of 2/51.
Afghanistan’s Struggles in the Chase
Chasing 316, Afghanistan’s top order crumbled under pressure. Speedsters Kagiso Rabada (3/36) and Lungi Ngidi (2/42) struck early, dismissing openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) and Ibrahim Zadran (16) within 10 overs.
Despite wickets tumbling around him, Rahmat Shah showcased grit with a 90-run innings off 92 balls, featuring nine fours and a six. He tried to hold the innings together, but a lack of support saw Afghanistan collapse to 208 all out in 43.3 overs.
A brief cameo from Rashid Khan (18 off 13) added some late spark, but the Proteas’ bowling depth proved too much.
Top Performers
🏏 Player of the Match: Ryan Rickelton – 103 runs (Anchored SA’s innings with a maiden ton)
🔥 Best Bowler: Kagiso Rabada – 3/36 (Broke Afghanistan’s backbone early in the chase)
💪 Fighting Knock: Rahmat Shah – 90 off 92 balls (Lone warrior for Afghanistan)
What’s Next?
🔜 South Africa will face New Zealand in their next fixture, aiming to maintain their winning momentum.
🔜 Afghanistan will look to regroup before taking on Sri Lanka in a must-win encounter.