Fri Feb 21 11:57:58 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Wins Toss, Elects to Bat First Against Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Opener

**Karachi, Pakistan –** South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first against Afghanistan in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy in Karachi on Friday. South African captain Temba Bavuma expressed some uncertainty about the pitch conditions but stated his confidence in his team’s bowling attack, which features three frontline pacers and a single spinner, Keshav Maharaj. Batsman Heinrich Klaasen was left out as a precautionary measure due to an elbow injury.

Afghanistan, making their debut in the Champions Trophy, countered with a bowling lineup including one frontline fast bowler, Fazalhaq Farooqi, supported by two seaming all-rounders and three spinners led by Rashid Khan.

The match marks a historic moment for Afghanistan cricket. The full playing XIs were announced as follows:

**South Africa:** Ryan Rickelton (w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

**Afghanistan:** Rahmanullah Gurbaz (w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.

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