Follow UsAfghanistan were no match to South Africa in their first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Karachi on February 21 (Friday). Chasing a target of 316, Afghanistan were reduced to 89/5 in 23 overs, and were eventually bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, despite Rahmat Shah’s 92-ball 90. Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted that the top-order wasn’t up to the mark.
“I think we were not good enough while batting. The pitch was helping them in the second innings, but the way we batted in the first 20 overs wasn't up to the mark. I think the toss was key today, there were many cracks on this pitch,” Shahidi, who got out for 0 off 4 deliveries, said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
“Wasn't a typical Karachi pitch. Their bowlers though bowled disciplined lengths. My expectation was to play well, we have achieved a lot and we have the ability to fight everywhere. We have some important games left, we will forget today and look to move forward.”
For South Africa, Ryan Rickelton slammed 103 off 106 deliveries, while the likes of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram also scored fifties. South Africa captain Bavuma said this was one of their best performances.
“Clinical performance. We took the brave decision to bat first not knowing about the wicket. We were then clinical with the ball too, closest to one of our best performances. The wicket looked a lot different to what we are used to in Pakistan. The batters fronted up and we managed to get a good score,” said Bavuma at the post-match presentation ceremony.
Unsurprisingly, Rickelton was named Player of the Match. The left-handed wicketkeeper-batter was playing his first ICC event game but showed no signs of pressure. The 28-year-old crafted seven fours and a six, and got the highest individual score posted by a South African wicketkeeper in the Champions Trophy.
“Was nervous coming into today, first ICC event. Was a bit edgy but happy to contribute to the team in a winning performance. We thought the surface would be a bit tacky, but it played alright. The bounce was a bit inconsistent but we worked our way through it. Disappointing to get out always, especially in that manner. Was looking to pull the trigger after that, but the guys who came in after did that and we managed to pick up a few extra boundaries.”