Fri Feb 21 16:31:27 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Triumphs Over Afghanistan by 107 Runs in Champions Trophy Clash
**Karachi, Pakistan** – South Africa secured a resounding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 encounter at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa posted a challenging 315/6 in their allotted 50 overs, spearheaded by a magnificent century from wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton (103 runs off 106 balls, including 7 fours and a six). Significant contributions also came from captain Temba Bavuma (58), Aiden Markram (52*), and Rassie van der Dussen (52), with a crucial 129-run partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma for the second wicket. Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the Afghan bowlers, claiming two wickets.
Chasing 316 for victory, Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with a valiant 90 (92 balls, 9 fours, 1 six), but lacked sufficient support. While several other batsmen reached double figures – including Azmatullah Omarzai (18), Rashid Khan (18), Ibrahim Zadran (17), Sedikullah Atal (16), Gulbadin Naib (13), and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (10) – none could build a substantial innings.
This victory puts South Africa in a strong position in Group B of the Champions Trophy, where they will next face Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25th, before concluding their group stage against England in Karachi on March 1st. Afghanistan, meanwhile, will be looking to regroup after their defeat. The match marked a significant milestone for both teams; South Africa improved their record at the National Stadium (now 2 wins from 5 matches) whilst Afghanistan played only their third ODI in Pakistan.
First Piper 