Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa Displays All-around Dominance, Secure Commanding Victory Over Afghanistan By 107 Runs

South Africa open their ICC Champions Trophy campaign with a resounding win over Afghanistan. The Temba Bavuma-led side demolished the Afghan Atalans by 107 runs and displayed all-around brilliance at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan . The Proteas Men looked dominant from the beginning of the match-up and their opener, Ryan Rickelton delivered a mouth-watering innings in the game. From the bowling end, Kagiso Rabada led the charge as they limited Afghanistan at 208 to secure a resounding win in Karachi.

South Africa Deliver A Sound Performance, Secure 107-Run Win Over Afghanistan

The Tamba bavuma-led Proteas Men delivered a titanic score after the batting side delivered a flawless innings. Opener Ryan Rickelton delivered a smashing 106-ball ton, where he scored seven fours and a six at the strike rate of 97.17. Skipper Tamba Bavuma also raked up good numbers as he scored 58 off 76 balls. Rassie van der Dussen and the unbeaten Aiden Markram also put up good numbers as both of them scored 52 runs respectively.

The Afghan bowling dis their best to retailiate but they could not limit the Proteas Men's momentum during the game.  Mohammed Nabi managed to take out Tony de Zorzi and skipper Bavuma while Rickelton was taken out by Rashid Khan after a successful run-out effort. Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah Omarzai and Noor Ahmad took a wicket each. The Afghans had a big target on their back as they had to chase down 315 runs.

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Proteas Men Shined With The Ball, Limited AFG at 208

Afghanistan's batters had a forgettable day in Karachi after their openers perished early. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran could not go apst the 20-run mark, while Sediqullah Atal was taken out by a run-out dismissal by Kagiso Rabada. The Afghan Atalan's sole fighter was Rahmat Shah, whose 90-run innings off 92 balls gave AFG a much-needed boost in the game.

Apart from Rahmat Shah, no other Afghanistan stars got on well with the bat. The South African bowlers' clinical display dislodged their opposition's spirits as they wiped out the entire team at 208 runs.

South Africa will face Australia next, while Afghanistan will lock horns against England in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

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