Karachi, February 21, 2025: A commanding century from Ryan Rickelton and a clinical bowling performance powered South Africa to a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.
Set a challenging target of 316, Afghanistan faltered and were bundled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, despite a fighting knock from Rahmat Shah. The middle-order batter stood tall with a valiant 90 off 91 balls, hitting nine fours and a six, but received little support from his teammates. Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai contributed 18 runs each, but the Afghan batting lineup struggled against South Africa’s disciplined attack.
Kagiso Rabada spearheaded the Proteas’ bowling effort with three wickets, while Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi took two apiece. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen also chipped in, sharing two wickets between them.
Earlier, South Africa, opting to bat first, posted an imposing 315/6 in their 50 overs. Despite an early setback when Mohammad Nabi dismissed Tony de Zorzi (11) with just 28 runs on the board, captain Temba Bavuma and Rickelton steadied the innings with a crucial 129-run stand. Bavuma contributed 58 off 76 balls before falling to Nabi.
Rickelton continued his fine knock, reaching his maiden ODI century before being run out by Rashid Khan for 103 off 106 balls, featuring seven fours and a six. Rassie van der Dussen added a vital 52 off 46 deliveries, while Aiden Markram’s explosive unbeaten 52 off 36 balls propelled South Africa past the 300-run mark.
David Miller (14) and Markram stitched together a valuable 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket. For Afghanistan, Nabi was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2/51 in his 10 overs, while Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed a wicket each.
