Sat Feb 22 15:26:38 UTC 2025: ## South Africa Dominates Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Opener
**Karachi, Pakistan:** South Africa launched their Champions Trophy campaign with a resounding victory over Afghanistan at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday. A commanding batting performance, spearheaded by Ryan Rickelton’s century (100) and half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52), propelled the Proteas to a challenging 315/6 in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that proved crucial.
Afghanistan’s chase was hampered by early wickets, collapsing to 50/4 in the 15th over. While Rahmat Shah offered resistance with a valiant 90, he lacked sufficient support, leaving Afghanistan far short of the target. Mohammad Nabi was Afghanistan’s most successful bowler, taking 2/51.
The win places South Africa at the top of Group B in the Champions Trophy points table with 2 points and a net run rate of 2.140.
First Piper 