Ryan Rickelton’s century led South Africa to a big 107-run win over Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener.
Highlights:
- South Africa start strong in Champions Trophy 2025.
- South Africa crushed Afghanistan by 107 runs in their opener.
South Africa dominated Afghanistan with a 107-run win in their Group B match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on February 27.Afghanistan, chasing 316, fell short at 208.
South Africa crush Afghanistan in Champions Trophy opener.
Ryan Rickelton played a pivotal role in South Africa’s commanding victory, delivering a magnificent century (103 off 106 balls), which included seven fours and a six, setting the tone for the innings after the team opted to bat first upon winning the toss, eventually propelling them to a formidable total of 315/6. His stellar performance was well-supported by captain Temba Bavuma, who contributed a steady 58 off 76 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46 balls) and Aiden Markram (50 not out off 34 balls) added crucial runs in the middle and final overs, ensuring that South Africa posted a total that proved too challenging for Afghanistan to chase down.
Afghanistan’s chase crumbled under pressure as they struggled to build momentum against the daunting target, eventually getting bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, with only Rahmat Shah offering resistance through a valiant knock of 90 off 92 balls, while the rest of the batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion. On the other hand, South Africa’s bowlers dominated the game, with Kagiso Rabada emerging as the standout performer, claiming 3 wickets for 36 runs in 8.3 overs, ensuring that Afghanistan never posed a serious threat to their imposing total of 315/6.
Afghanistan struggle in big chase, fall short.
Afghanistan began cautiously, but South Africa quickly took control as Lungi Ngidi dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for 10 with a sharp bouncer, followed by Kagiso Rabada clean-bowling Ibrahim Zadran for 17, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 38/2, and despite Rahmat Shah’s determined half-century, the batting lineup crumbled further when Marco Jansen’s direct hit ran out Sediqullah Atal for 16, making it increasingly difficult for Afghanistan to keep up with the steep chase.
Rahmat Shah’s determined knock fell just short of a century, as he became the last wicket to fall, bringing Afghanistan’s innings to a close at 208 all out, while South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada, along with Lungi Ngidi (2/56) and Wiaan Mulder (2/36), ensured a comprehensive victory with their disciplined bowling performance.
