KARACHI, Pakistan — In an impressive display, South Africa triumphed over Afghanistan by 107 runs in a one-day international match, marking a successful debut for opener Ryan Rickelton, who scored his first ODI century. Rickelton amassed 103 runs off 106 deliveries, contributing to South Africa’s robust total of 315 for 6. Four out of the top five batsmen managed to secure half-centuries, further showcasing the team’s dominance on a surface tailored to aid their pace attack. In response, Afghanistan faltered, collapsing to 208 all out in 43.3 overs, thus ending South Africa’s six-match losing streak in ODIs.
After winning the toss, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the decision to bat first was a brave one, especially with uncertainties regarding the pitch. He praised the team’s clinical performance, stating that they capitalized well on the situation. The squad faced an early hurdle when Heinrich Klaasen had to leave the game due to an elbow injury, but Rassie van der Dussen seamlessly filled the gap, scoring 52 off 46 balls.
South Africa’s pace bowlers exploited the weaknesses in Afghanistan’s batting order, particularly against short balls. Kagiso Rabada showcased his skills with a speed of 148 kph, disrupting the middle stump of Ibrahim Zadran. Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, along with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi, all fell victim to Rabada’s effective bowling strategy, while Azmatullah Omarzai was caught behind for 18 runs after another well-placed delivery. Afghanistan found themselves in a difficult position at 89-5 by the 23rd over.
“The batting was not good enough today,” Shahidi remarked, admitting the team had not performed as expected. He expressed optimism, noting they had two more games to focus on moving forward. Rahmat Shah was the standout performer for Afghanistan, guiding the team with 90 runs from 92 balls, while Rashid Khan created brief excitement among fans with quick boundaries during his innings.
On the bowling front, Rabada finished with impressive figures of 3 for 36, including the final wicket of Shah. Lungi Ngidi, Wiaan Mulder, and Marco Jansen also delivered solid performances with the ball, maintaining pressure on the opposition.
Rickelton’s landmark inning was integral to South Africa achieving their second-highest total in Champions Trophy history, just shy of their previous record from 2002. Captain Bavuma provided essential support with 58 runs as both he and Rickelton formed a formidable second-wicket partnership that amassed 129 runs off 142 deliveries. Despite losing Tony de Zorzi early, the pair adeptly handled Afghanistan’s bowling unit, rotating the strike effectively and punishing any loose deliveries.
Bavuma’s innings included five boundaries, though a successful review overturned an lbw decision just before he eventually fell to Nabi’s delivery. Rickelton marked a significant achievement with his century, becoming the first South African to score a hundred on his Champions Trophy debut. He struck seven fours and one six before a bizarre run-out saw him return to the pavilion after hitting a length ball back towards the bowler Rashid.
“I was quite nervous coming in,” Rickelton expressed after his innings. “To contribute to the team is something I’m very pleased with.” Van der Dussen, coming off a slump in performance prior to the match, found his rhythm against Rashid, hitting his first half-century since November 2023. Markram showcased explosive batting at the end, scoring quick runs that significantly elevated South Africa’s total, culminating in 85 runs from the final ten overs. Wiaan Mulder added a flourish at the end, hitting a four and a six in the closing moments of the innings.
Looking ahead, the cricketing world turns its attention to a contest between two-time champions Australia and England taking place in Lahore on Saturday.
