South Africa secured a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, held at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium on Friday. The win was largely propelled by Ryan Rickelton’s anchoring century and a comprehensive bowling effort, led by Kagiso Rabada, as South Africa restricted Afghanistan to 208 all-out in their chase of 316.
Afghanistan’s Chase Falls Short
Afghanistan, in pursuit of a challenging target of 316, were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. The standout performance for Afghanistan came from middle-order batter Rahmat Shah, who played a valiant knock of 90 runs off 92 balls, featuring nine fours and one six. His efforts, however, were largely in vain as the rest of the batting line-up struggled to keep up with the required run rate.
Despite Shah’s defiant knock, Afghanistan’s batting fell apart with Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai contributing just 18 runs each. The middle order crumbled under pressure, and it was evident that Shah’s lone battle couldn’t carry them across the line.
South Africa’s Bowlers Dominate
Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer with the ball, claiming three wickets and spearheading South Africa’s bowling attack. Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi provided strong support, with two wickets each. Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen also played their part, picking up one wicket each to dismantle Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Rabada’s pace and accuracy, combined with the effectiveness of the other bowlers, ensured that Afghanistan’s chase never gained momentum. Despite a brave fight from Shah, the rest of the Afghan batting lineup couldn’t handle the pressure of chasing a high total, resulting in them being dismissed for 208.
South Africa Sets a Challenging Total
South Africa’s decision to bat first after winning the toss was vindicated, as they posted a competitive total of 315/6 in their allotted 50 overs. After an early setback where Mohammad Nabi dismissed Tony de Zorzi for just 11, captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton steadied the innings with a solid 129-run partnership for the second wicket.
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Bavuma contributed 58 runs off 76 balls, including five boundaries, before he was dismissed by Nabi. Rickelton continued to anchor the innings, reaching his maiden ODI century with a knock of 103 runs off 106 balls. His innings included seven fours and a six, but he was eventually run out by Rashid Khan.
Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram Provide Vital Contributions
Rassie van der Dussen also played a vital role, contributing 52 runs off 46 balls, which included three fours and two sixes. His innings was crucial in stabilizing the middle order after the dismissals of Bavuma and Rickelton.
Aiden Markram then provided the finishing touch, adding an unbeaten 52 off 36 balls, including six fours and one six. Markram also formed a vital 50-run partnership with David Miller, who contributed 14 runs off 18 balls to help South Africa reach a commanding total.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Efforts
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Nabi was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 51 runs from his 10 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi all picked up one wicket each, but their efforts weren’t enough to halt the onslaught from South Africa’s top and middle order.
Man of the Match: Ryan Rickelton
Ryan Rickelton’s stellar knock of 103 runs was the highlight of the match, earning him the Man of the Match award for his contribution to South Africa’s total. His solid batting performance helped set the platform for the rest of the team to capitalize and post a challenging total.
