South Africa registered an easy 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their first match of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Karachi. It was a clinical display from the Temba Bavuma-led side with both bat and ball. The victory was the first set up Ryan Rickelton's blistering (103), and half-centuries from Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram's unbeaten (52). Later, South Africa's bowlers dismantled the Afghanisthan's batting order on a relatively flat pitch in Karachi.
Chasing a huge target of 316, the Afghans got off to an inauspicious start as opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the first one to depart for just (10) runs. Later, his opening partner, Ibrahim Zadran followed him to the pavilion, making just (17) runs. With Afghanistan's two in-form batters dismissed, South Africa sensed an opportunity to tighten the screws around the opposition. Marco Jansen, Rabada, and Wiaan Mulder were particularly impressive with the ball in hand, as the trio did not give an inch to Afghan batters to free their arms.
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Many raised questions about South Africa going in with just one spinner in playing XI, but the move proved to be correct in the end. Keshav Maharaj - the lone frontline spinner, complimented the pacers well and finished his spell going under five runs per over. For Afghanistan, only Rahmat Shah (90) managed to score fifty, but alas, he found no support from the other end, as Afghans were bundled out for 208.
Clinical South Africa off to a great start in the Champions Trophy
Before the start of SA vs AFG, many predicted the Asian team to triumph, given the conditions was more suitable for them. However, Afghanistan came as copper today against a determined South Africa, who did their homework well for the game. They knew the Afghans would deploy spin as their main weapon, but in the end, Rickelton, Markram, and RVD aced the spin challenge well. By virtue of this thumping win, South Africa are off to a great start in CT 2025.
Player of the Match Ryan Rickelton shares his views
"Bit of a different one, I was quite nervous coming in. My first ICC event. To contribute to the team and set us up for a win is something I take pleasure in. We thought it would be tacky up front but it played all right. Bounce was a bit inconsistent but you adjust accordingly. Thought we could have pushed a bit harder but Aiden played agreat knock at the back there to get a competitive total. [Run out] Disappointed to get out, especially in that manner. Thought Rash threw it at my head. But the guys that came in after me pulled the trigger. [Opening and keeping] Something I've done since young, something I take pride in. Not the best night with the gloves but I learn from my mistakes."
