South Africa vs Afghanistan: The first match of Group B in the 2025 Champions Trophy was played at Karachi’s National Stadium between South Africa and Afghanistan. In this game, South Africa dominated throughout. After winning the toss, South Africa chose to bat first, setting a target of 316 runs in 50 overs, finishing with 315 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. Afghanistan, in response, was dismissed for just 208 runs, handing South Africa a comfortable 107-run victory.

South Africa vs Afghanistan: The Victory

This victory marked a spectacular start for South Africa in the tournament, and they achieved a remarkable record. In this match, South Africa became the second team in Champions Trophy history, after India, to have four players score 50 or more runs in a single match. During their innings, Ryan Rickelton played a brilliant knock of 103 runs, while captain Temba Bavuma contributed 58 runs. Rassie van der Dussen made 52 runs, and Aiden Markram scored 50 runs, ensuring that four players crossed the 50-run mark.

South Africa vs Afghanistan

South Africa vs Afghanistan: Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets to help dismiss Afghanistan for 208. On the Afghan side, Rahmat Shah played a resilient knock of 90 runs, but it wasn’t enough to challenge South Africa’s total. Mohammad Nabi was the top bowler for Afghanistan, claiming 2 wickets. South Africa won the match comfortably by 107 runs, with a stellar all-around performance.

The only other instance in Champions Trophy history where this feat was accomplished was in 2017, when India achieved the same against Pakistan at Birmingham. In that match, India also had four players who scored 50 or more runs, showcasing the rare achievement.

South Africa’s impressive batting

South Africa’s impressive batting performance was complemented by their bowlers, who efficiently restricted Afghanistan to just 208 runs. Despite some resistance from Afghanistan’s batsmen, South Africa’s bowlers made quick work of the Afghan lineup, eventually winning the match by a margin of 107 runs.

The South African team’s dominant performance in this opening match of the tournament not only earned them an important victory but also placed them in a strong position in Group B. With a mix of excellent batting and disciplined bowling, they proved their potential and set the tone for the rest of the competition. This 107-run win also underscored their readiness for the challenges ahead in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs South Africa Today