Afghanistan vs South Africa, Champions Trophy 2025: Proteas Outclass Afghans in 107-Run Win as Rickleton & Rabada Shine

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Afghanistan vs South Africa, Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in a Group B clash on February 21.

Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century and a strong all-round bowling display powered the Proteas to a comfortable win, handing Afghanistan a harsh debut in the tournament.

Batting first, South Africa posted 315/6, thanks to Rickelton’s fluent 103 off 106 balls. Temba Bavuma (58) and Rassie van der Dussen (52) played crucial supporting roles, while Aiden Markram’s quick-fire 52* ensured the innings ended on a high.

In reply, Afghanistan struggled against South Africa’s pace attack and were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, with only Rahmat Shah (90) offering resistance. Kagiso Rabada led the bowling effort with 3/36, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder claimed two wickets each.

Ryan Rickelton anchors South Africa’s innings

The Proteas got off to a steady start, but Tony de Zorzi’s early dismissal for 11 brought captain Bavuma to the crease. He and Rickelton built a strong partnership, adding 129 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma played a composed knock, but his departure in the 29th over slowed the scoring rate momentarily.

Rickelton, however, kept the scoreboard ticking, bringing up his maiden ODI century in just his seventh match. His knock featured seven fours and one six, and he was eventually run out in the 36th over while pushing for an extra run. Van der Dussen then took over, scoring a quick 52 off 46 balls before falling to Noor Ahmad.

The final flourish came from Markram, who blasted 52* off 36 balls, ensuring South Africa crossed the 300-run mark. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain the runs, with Mohammad Nabi (2/51) and Noor Ahmad (1/65) being the only wicket-takers among the frontline options.

Rahmat Shah fights alone as Proteas dominate in Champions Trophy 2025

Chasing 316, Afghanistan needed a strong start, but their top order crumbled against South Africa’s pace attack. Ngidi removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz early, while Rabada accounted for Ibrahim Zadran and Azmatullah Omarzai to leave Afghanistan reeling at 89/5.

Rahmat Shah, however, played a brilliant knock, holding one end as wickets tumbled around him. He paced his innings well, mixing caution with aggression, and struck nine boundaries and a six. But without any meaningful support, the task was too much.

Jansen and Maharaj chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, while South Africa’s fielding was sharp—Marco Jansen’s direct hit to remove Sediqullah Atal exemplified their dominance. Rahmat was the last man out in the 44th over, handing the Proteas a comprehensive victory.

This win also marked the highest match aggregate (523 runs) in ODIs between South Africa and Afghanistan. The Proteas, aiming for their first ICC trophy, made a strong statement with this performance. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will need to regroup quickly as they look to bounce back in their next game.