Fri Feb 21 18:11:31 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Cruises to Victory Over Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Opener

**Karachi, Pakistan:** South Africa secured a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Friday at Karachi’s National Stadium. A clinical all-round performance saw the Proteas post a challenging 315/6, before bowling out Afghanistan for 208 in 43.3 overs.

Ryan Rickelton led the South African batting charge with a magnificent century (103 runs off 106 balls), supported by half-centuries from Temba Bavuma (58), Aiden Markram (52*), and Rassie van der Dussen (52). The partnership between Rickelton and Bavuma yielded a crucial 129 runs for the second wicket. Afghanistan’s Mohammad Nabi took two wickets.

In response, Afghanistan’s chase was thwarted by a disciplined South African bowling attack. Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with a valiant 90, but his efforts were insufficient to prevent a heavy defeat. Kagiso Rabada led the South African attack with three wickets, while Lungi Ngidi and Wayne Mulder each claimed two. Eight Afghan batsmen fell to pace. While several Afghan batsmen reached double figures (including Azmatullah Omarzai (18), Rashid Khan (18), Ibrahim Zadran (17), and Sedikullah Atal (16)), none could provide substantial support to Rahmat Shah.

This win puts South Africa in a strong position in Group B, which also includes England and Australia. Their next match is against Australia on February 25th in Rawalpindi, followed by a clash with England on March 1st in Karachi. The next Champions Trophy match will see England face Australia on February 22nd in Lahore.

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