New Delhi: A sensational maiden century from opener Ryan Rickelton, half centuries from three other batters and a superb bowling effort in the second innings powered South Africa to a massive win over Afghanistan in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on Friday.
After the Proteas put up a massive 315-run score on the board in the first innings, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder excelled with the ball to help their team register a 107-run win over the Afghans. Chasing 316, Afghanistan were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs with Rabada picking up three wickets while Ngidi and Mulder contributing with two wickets each.
Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj also joined the party with one wicket each. For the Afghans, Rahmat Shah was the only silver lining with a score of 90 runs in 92 balls while rest of the batters succumbed in front of a disciplined Proteas bowling. Even the opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran could not showcase their talent in the tough chase, losing their wickets for 10 and 17 respectively.
🚨 SOUTH AFRICA DEFEATED AFGHANISTAN BY 107 RUNS IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY 🚨 pic.twitter.com/BP1WSHKsPx
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 21, 2025
Rickelton among others sizzle for Proteas
Ryan Rickelton made a statement in the match with his knock of 103 in just 106 balls. The brilliant innings, that pushed Afghanistan against the wall, was laced with seven boundaries and one maximum. Apart from his stylish innings, skipper Bavuma played a knock of 58 runs while Van der Dussen (52) also contributed to the score with a half-century. Aiden Markram showcased his old charm with a quick 36-ball 52-run unbeaten knock to help the Proteas post a big total.
For Afghanistan, all-rounder Mohammed Nabi was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets while Fazalhaq Farooqi, Azmatullah and Noor Ahmad also contributed with a wicket each. Surprisingly, star spinner Rashid Khan remained wicketless and could not even contribute much with the bat as he ended up scoring just 18 runs.
Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa began their campaign in style with a massive 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the Group B clash in Karachi. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
