Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI, Champions Trophy 2025: Records, Stats, Results at National Stadium, Karachi

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI, Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan will face South Africa in the third match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 21.

This match marks another historic moment for Afghanistan, who are making their debut in the prestigious tournament. Having established themselves as a competitive force in limited-overs cricket, Afghanistan will be eager to prove they belong on the big stage.

South Africa, on the other hand, have a storied history in the Champions Trophy, winning the inaugural edition in 1998. However, their recent struggles in ODIs are concerning, with six consecutive defeats before this tournament. They will be desperate to turn their form around and start their campaign on a strong note.

Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been built on their world-class spin attack and an aggressive batting approach. Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad will be crucial in exploiting conditions in Karachi, while the likes of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will shoulder responsibility with the bat.

This will be a battle of contrasting styles, with Afghanistan’s spin-heavy approach set to challenge South Africa’s pace-oriented attack. The conditions in Karachi could play a significant role, adding another layer of intrigue to this high-stakes encounter.

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head Records in ODI

Afghanistan and South Africa have faced each other five times in ODIs, with South Africa winning three matches and Afghanistan emerging victorious in two. While the Proteas have historically held the edge, Afghanistan’s recent performances suggest they are closing the gap. Their two wins in the last five encounters highlight their growing competitiveness on the global stage, making this upcoming clash an intriguing contest.

Total Matches Played: 5
Afghanistan Wins: 2
South Africa Wins: 3
No Results: 0

Afghanistan’s qualification for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is a testament to their rapid growth. Finishing sixth in the 2023 World Cup secured their direct entry, and they have since continued their upward trajectory, winning four consecutive bilateral ODI series. Their squad for this tournament is well-rounded, with a mix of experienced players and emerging talents.

Afghanistan vs South Africa – Last Five Encounters

• Afghanistan won by 69 runs – ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
• South Africa won by 9 wickets – ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
• South Africa won by 96 runs – ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
• South Africa won by 209 runs – ICC Cricket World Cup 2011
• Afghanistan won by 22 runs – ODI Bilateral Series 2009

Their most recent meeting in the 2023 World Cup saw Afghanistan dominate South Africa with a 69-run victory, showcasing their improved standards in international cricket. Before that, South Africa had a commanding record, winning three consecutive encounters with significant margins. However, Afghanistan’s first-ever victory over the Proteas in 2009 proved they had the potential to compete against the world’s best.

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head Stats in ODI

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head Records at National Stadium, Karachi

This will be the first-ever ODI match between Afghanistan and South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi. In fact, it marks the first time the two teams will face off in Pakistan in any format.

The conditions in Karachi are known to favour spinners, which could play into Afghanistan’s strengths, while South Africa’s fast bowlers may have to adjust their strategies accordingly.

National Stadium, Karachi ODI Stats & Records

Total Matches: 79
Matches Won Batting 1st: 37
Matches Won Chasing: 39
Average 1st Innings Score: 240
Highest Total: 374/4 (50 Ovs) by India vs Hong Kong in 2008
Lowest Total: 115 (38.2 Ovs) by Bangladesh vs Pakistan in 2008
Highest Successful Chase: 355/4 (49 Ovs) by Pakistan vs South Africa in 2025
Lowest Total Defended: 146 (43.3 Ovs by Pakistan vs New Zealand in 1994
Most Runs: Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 817
Highest Individual Score: Viv Richards (West Indies) - 181
Most Sixes: MS Dhoni (India), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 12
Most 50s: Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan), Younis Khan (Pakistan) - 6
Most 100s: Suresh Raina (India), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Salman Butt (Pakistan), Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 2
Most Wickets: Wasim Akram (Pakistan) - 23
Best Bowling Innings: Ajantha Mendis (6/13)

Afghanistan vs Pakistan, Champions Trophy 2025: Full Squads

Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote

South Africa Squad: Ryan Rickelton (w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen