The South Africa team has won the toss and decided to bat first against Afghanistan in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 here at Karachi on Friday.
Afghanistan side enters the mega tournament for the first time on the back of a strong performance at the ODI World Cup 2023 and a successful run in recent ODIs.
The south Asian side aim to continue its ODI form against the Proteas last September. Afghanistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in Sharjah last September.
Afghanistan has won four of their last five bilateral series. They also reached the T20 World Cup semi-final. This tournament offers them a big chance to claim a major title. Winning it before South Africa would be a huge statement.
South Africa looks to bounce back
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, struggled in a recent Tri-Series against Pakistan and New Zealand. However, many of their key players were absent due to SA20 league commitments. With a full-strength squad now, they start as favorites.
The Proteas have lost three of their last four ODI series since the World Cup. They have also lost their last six ODIs. However, they have used this period to develop new talent, capping ten players since 2023. When at full strength, they are a formidable side, as seen in their T20 World Cup final appearance last year.
Team News
Rickelton is likely to replace de Zorzi in the lineup. De Zorzi scored 55 in a recent warm-up match but has struggled overall. Rickelton, though inexperienced, has a better record in ODIs.
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South Africa may bench Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs due to their deep batting lineup. Aiden Markram’s offspin could allow them to pick just one specialist spinner, Keshav Maharaj. This would make space for allrounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen, along with two frontline pacers.
Ibrahim Zadran Returns for Afghanistan
Zadran is back after three months out with an ankle injury. He will open alongside Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The duo averages 48.84 in ODIs, providing Afghanistan with explosive starts. They must decide between Noor Ahmad, who impressed at the SA20, and left-arm spinner Nangeyalia Kharote. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and four seamers will complete their attack.
South Africa XI:
Temba Bavuma (capt), Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
Afghanistan XI
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad/Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran, Fazalhaq Farooqi
Pitch and Conditions
Karachi has seen high scores recently. New Zealand posted 320 in the tournament opener, while Pakistan chased 353 against South Africa last week. Another high-scoring game is expected. South Africa’s bowlers, especially spinners, are focusing on defensive strategies. Afghanistan expects strong home support from the expat community in Karachi.
