South Africa National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

South Africa have made a commanding start to their Champions Trophy campaign with a dominant 107-run victory. Chasing 316, Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships, with only Rahmat Shah offering resistance. He fought hard for his 90 but found little support, as the second-highest score was just 18. Eventually, Afghanistan were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. Kagiso Rabada led the bowling attack with three wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder chipped in with two each.

South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first against Afghanistan. Their batting line-up remained strong despite Heinrich Klaasen’s absence, featuring Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi as openers. The middle order was stacked with Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller. All-rounders Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen provided depth at seven and eight.

However, Klaasen is one of South Africa’s most in-form ODI players. He delivered consistent match-winning performances in his last four ODIs, all against Pakistan. He scored 86 off 97 balls, 97 off 74, 81 off 43, and 87 off 56, showcasing his explosive batting ability.

Dominating Performance By South Africa

Ryan Rickelton has excelled in all three formats of cricket. From scoring a double-century in Tests to hitting 89 off 39 balls in T20s, Rickelton’s adaptability stands out. His recent ODI century in the Champions Trophy proved his prowess across formats. Despite a crowded lineup, his performances have made him indispensable for South Africa. His ability to switch between techniques for different formats has been key to his success.

Rickelton’s inclusion in the playing XI came by chance. Heinrich Klaasen’s elbow injury opened a spot for Rickelton. Despite this, his performance has cemented his place in the team. His 103 off 106 balls in his first ICC tournament is a statement of his talent. With Klaasen returning, South Africa faces a selection dilemma, but Rickelton’s form makes him hard to drop.

South Africa National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

RESULT

3rd Match, Group B (D/N), Karachi, February 21, 2025, ICC Champions Trophy

South Africa      |    315/6       |        Afghanistan       |     (43.3/50 ov, T:316) 208

South Africa won by 107 runs.

Player Of The Match   –   Ryan Rickelton, SA      |    103 (106) & 2 catches

South Africa  (50 ovs maximum)

Batting		R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Ryan Rickelton †	run out (Rashid Khan/†Rahmanullah Gurbaz)	103	106	154	7	1	97.16
Tony de Zorzi	c Azmatullah Omarzai b Mohammad Nabi	11	11	23	2	0	100.00
Temba Bavuma (c)	c Sediqullah Atal b Mohammad Nabi	58	76	98	5	0	76.31
Rassie van der Dussen	c Hashmatullah Shahidi b Noor Ahmad	52	46	55	3	2	113.04
Aiden Markram	not out	52	36	60	6	1	144.44
David Miller	c Rahmat Shah b Fazalhaq Farooqi	14	18	23	1	0	77.77
Marco Jansen	b Azmatullah Omarzai	0	1	2	0	0	0.00
Wiaan Mulder	not out	12	6	7	1	1	200.00
Extras	(w 13)	13
Total	50 Ov (RR: 6.30)	315/6
Did not bat:  Keshav Maharaj,  Kagiso Rabada,  Lungi Ngidi
Fall of wickets: 1-28 (Tony de Zorzi, 5.1 ov), 2-157 (Temba Bavuma, 28.5 ov), 3-201 (Ryan Rickelton, 35.3 ov), 4-248 (Rassie van der Dussen, 42.4 ov), 5-298 (David Miller, 47.6 ov), 6-299 (Marco Jansen, 48.2 ov) • DRS

Bowling	O	M	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD	NB
Fazalhaq Farooqi	8	0	59	1	7.37	25	8	2	1	0
Azmatullah Omarzai	6	0	39	1	6.50	16	5	0	0	0
Mohammad Nabi	10	0	51	2	5.10	23	2	0	2	0
Rashid Khan	10	0	59	0	5.90	28	3	2	1	0
Gulbadin Naib	7	0	42	0	6.00	16	4	0	0	0
Noor Ahmad	9	0	65	1	7.22	22	3	1	5	0

South Africa Innings – Match Insights

Phase	Overs	Runs	Wickets
Powerplay 1	0.1 – 10.0	46	1
Powerplay 2	10.1 – 40.0	184	2
Powerplay 3	40.1 – 50.0	85	3

Milestones & Key Moments

Event	Details
50 Runs	10.4 overs (64 balls), Extras: 0
2nd Wicket Partnership (50 runs)	55 balls (RD Rickelton 28, T Bavuma 22, Ex: 0)
RD Rickelton – 50	48 balls (5 x 4, 1 x 6)
Drinks Break 1	87/1 in 16.0 overs (Rickelton 51, Bavuma 25)
100 Runs	19.5 overs (119 balls), Extras: 0
2nd Wicket Partnership (100 runs)	110 balls (Rickelton 54, Bavuma 46, Ex: 0)
Review (Afghanistan – Bowling)	Over 24.4, Umpire: AG Wharf, Batter: Bavuma (Struck down)
T Bavuma – 50	63 balls (4 x 4)
150 Runs	27.1 overs (163 balls), Extras: 0
Review (South Africa – Batting)	Over 28.4, Umpire: AG Wharf, Batter: Bavuma (Upheld)
Drinks Break 2	184/2 in 32.0 overs (Rickelton 95, van der Dussen 12)
RD Rickelton – 100	101 balls (7 x 4, 1 x 6)
200 Runs	35.1 overs (211 balls), Extras: 10
HE van der Dussen – 50	41 balls (3 x 4, 2 x 6)
250 Runs	42.6 overs (258 balls), Extras: 11
5th Wicket Partnership (50 runs)	30 balls (Markram 35, Miller 14, Ex: 1)
300 Runs	48.5 overs (293 balls), Extras: 12
AK Markram – 50	33 balls (6 x 4, 1 x 6)
Innings Break	South Africa – 315/6 in 50.0 overs (Markram 52, Mulder 12)

Afghanistan (T: 316 runs from 50 ovs)

Batting		R	B	M	4s	6s	SR
Rahmanullah Gurbaz †	c Maharaj b Ngidi	10	14	18	1	0	71.42
Ibrahim Zadran	b Rabada	17	29	45	1	1	58.62
Sediqullah Atal	run out (Jansen)	16	32	46	2	0	50.00
Rahmat Shah	c †Rickelton b Rabada	90	92	147	9	1	97.82
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)	c Bavuma b Mulder	0	4	3	0	0	0.00
Azmatullah Omarzai	c †Rickelton b Rabada	18	27	34	3	0	66.66
Mohammad Nabi	c Rabada b Jansen	8	17	22	0	0	47.05
Gulbadin Naib	c Bavuma b Ngidi	13	19	21	2	0	68.42
Rashid Khan	c Markram b Maharaj	18	13	12	3	1	138.46
Noor Ahmad	b Mulder	9	15	23	1	0	60.00
Fazalhaq Farooqi	not out	0	0	2	0	0	–
Extras	(b 2, nb 1, w 6)	9
Total	43.3 Ov (RR: 4.78)	208
Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 3.2 ov), 2-38 (Ibrahim Zadran, 9.4 ov), 3-50 (Sediqullah Atal, 13.6 ov), 4-50 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 14.4 ov), 5-89 (Azmatullah Omarzai, 22.6 ov), 6-120 (Mohammad Nabi, 28.6 ov), 7-142 (Gulbadin Naib, 34.2 ov), 8-169 (Rashid Khan, 37.3 ov), 9-208 (Noor Ahmad, 42.6 ov), 10-208 (Rahmat Shah, 43.3 ov) • DRS

Bowling	O	M	R	W	ECON	0s	4s	6s	WD	NB
Marco Jansen	8	1	32	1	4.00	30	3	0	2	0
Lungi Ngidi	8	0	56	2	7.00	25	8	1	0	0
Kagiso Rabada	8.3	1	36	3	4.23	36	3	1	2	1
Wiaan Mulder	9	0	36	2	4.00	32	2	1	2	0
Keshav Maharaj	10	0	46	1	4.60	33	6	0	0	0

Afghanistan Innings – Match Insights

Phase	Overs	Runs	Wickets
Powerplay 1	0.1 – 10.0	38	2
Powerplay 2	10.1 – 40.0	151	6
Powerplay 3	40.1 – 50.0	19	2

Milestones & Key Moments

Event	Details
50 Runs	12.4 overs (76 balls), Extras: 5
Drinks Break 1	50/4 in 14.4 overs (Rahmat Shah 2)
100 Runs	25.1 overs (152 balls), Extras: 8
Drinks Break 2	136/6 in 32.0 overs (Rahmat Shah 48, Gulbadin Naib 11)
Review (South Africa – Bowling)	Over 32.1, Umpire: Sharfuddoula, Batter: Gulbadin Naib (Struck down)
Rahmat Shah – 50	62 balls (4 x 4)
150 Runs	34.6 overs (211 balls), Extras: 8
200 Runs	42.1 overs (254 balls), Extras: 9
Review (Afghanistan – Batting)	Over 43.3, Umpire: AG Wharf, Batter: Rahmat Shah (Struck down)

Rickelton has displayed consistent form across all formats in recent months. His mindset remains simple and focused on playing with confidence. He credits his success to a solid foundation and a precise approach. By staying consistent with his strengths, Rickelton has thrived in different formats. This adaptability is why he has become a reliable option for South Africa.

Moving Forward

Despite a history of poor results, South Africa’s team is confident. They are determined to win the Champions Trophy but not under pressure. Rickelton highlighted the team’s focus on enjoying the game while performing their best. His calmness and determination reflect the mindset of the entire squad. South Africa is setting their sights on the semi-finals, aiming for more than just participation.

Batting first on a Karachi pitch with a greenish surface, South Africa posted a formidable 315 for 6. Ryan Rickelton anchored the innings with a superb 103, while Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram contributed steady half-centuries. Afghanistan needed to pull off their highest-ever successful chase but never looked in control.

With this emphatic win, South Africa’s net run rate has soared to +2.140, while Afghanistan have plenty to reassess before their next game.