South Africa made a positive start in the Champions Trophy

South Africa have made a positive start to their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. Temba Bavuma and his men registered a massive 107-run win in the Group B opener against debutants Afghanistan. The Proteas were dominant with both ball and bat throughout the match.

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Bavuma won the toss and decided to bat. South Africa was without some of the key players for this match. Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs were rested due to minor injury concerns. There was no news related to their injuries. Afghanistan named a strong playing 11 and went spin-heavy.

South Africa: Rickelton leads Proteas’ batting charge

Two left-handers, Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi opened the innings for the team in green. After a decent start, De Zorzi gave his wicket to Nabi. South Africa were 28 for one. In came Temba Bavuma. The duo added 129 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma rotated the strike and allowed Rickelto to build his innings. The captain scored 58 runs before handing Nabi his second wicket of the night. This partnership laid the foundation for a huge score.

Ryan Rickelton was at the top of his game. The wicket-keeping batsman scored 103 runs in 106 balls. His innings had seven 4s and one six. His innings were cut short by Rashid Khan’s brilliance. Rashid was having a poor night with the ball. Rickelton charged him and his shot went straight to Rashid. The leggie collected the ball and threw it back to Gurbaz. Rickelton was caught out of the crease and his innings ended. South Africa were 201 for three with just over 14 overs remaining.

Markram, Van der Dussen take Proteas past 300

Aiden Markram and Rassie Van der Dussen are the backbones of the middle order. These two led the charge towards the end with quickfire fifties. Rassie scored 52 in 46 deliveries, while Markram scored the same total in just 36 balls. South Africa scored 315 for the loss of six wickets.

Batting struggles

Afghanistan batters were up against a fiery bowling line-up. Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack along with Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, and Wiaan Mulder.

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The debutants lost three wickets for just 50 runs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the first player to go. Ngidi’s short ball did the trick. Ibrahim Zadran was bowled by Kagiso Rabada. Youngster, Sediqullah Atal was the next player to get out.

Skipper Hasmatullah Shahidi failed to open his account. Other players also failed to make their mark. Everyone got a start but failed to convert their chances.

Rahmat Shah to the rescue

All Afghani batters were struggling to keep their wickets. The only person that looked confident against the aggressive bowling attack was Rahmat Shah.             The veteran fell 10-short of his hundred. His knock of 90 in just 92 deliveries helped Afghanistan reach 208 runs.

Rabada took three wickets, while Mulder and Ngidi added two to their name. Jansen and Maharaj chipped in with a wicket each. This win gives them an advantage in a tough group along with Australia and England.