South Africa Dominates Afghanistan with Commanding Win in Champions Trophy 2025 Opener
Mar, 12 2025
South Africa has kicked off their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey with a statement-making 107-run victory over Afghanistan, a match that showcased their prowess both with the bat and the ball. The team's performance was buoyed by Ryan Rickelton, who played an instrumental role by smashing his first-ever ODI century, scoring 103 off 106 deliveries. His innings, filled with tenacity and skill, set the foundation for the Proteas' total of 315/6 after they elected to bat first.
Rickelton’s effort was well supported by Aiden Markram, who provided a crucial boost in the lower order with his brisk 52 off 36 balls. Markram's contribution was vital in giving the South African innings the push it needed to reach their competitive score.
When it was Afghanistan's turn to bat, the pressure mounted quickly. The Afghan top order crumbled under South Africa’s aggressive bowling attack, losing four key wickets within the first 15 overs. Despite Rahmat Shah’s valiant attempt to anchor the innings with a resolute 90 off 92 balls, the Afghan team struggled to keep wickets intact, ultimately folding for 208 in 43.3 overs.
South Africa’s bowlers were in top form, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge by grabbing 3 wickets for 36 runs. He was ably supported by Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, who collectively claimed four more wickets between them, dismantling Afghanistan’s batting lineup effectively.
During the post-match presentations, Afghanistan's captain Hashmatullah Shahidi didn’t shy away from admitting his team's batting failures, emphasizing the need for stronger starts. Meanwhile, South Africa's captain, Temba Bavuma, was all praise for his team’s adaptability, which was evident in their ability to read the challenging pitch conditions and dominate the match. The victory not only halted South Africa's six-match ODI losing streak but also significantly boosted their prospects of reaching the semi-finals in Group B.
This victory sends a clear message in the tournament – with such a well-rounded performance, South Africa looks set to be a formidable contender in the Champions Trophy.