Follow UsSouth Africa kick-started their 2025 Champions Trophy campaign against Afghanistan in Karachi on February 21, but were not full-strength, with Heinrich Klaasen not featuring in the clash.
Klaasen was considered South Africa’s trump-card in the tournament, having struck four 80+ scores in his last four innings, but was not named in the Proteas’ starting XI for the big game against a spirited Afghanistan side.
Why is Klaasen not playing against Afghanistan?
While Cricket South Africa (CSA) have provided no official update, according to reports from ESPNCricinfo, SuperSport (South Africa) and other publications, Klaasen missed out due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Klaasen being left out is believed to be a precautionary measure from the Proteas.
Shaun Pollock, on air, meanwhile asserted that he expects Klaasen to be back for South Africa’s next clash in the Champions Trophy, which is against Australia in Rawalpindi on February 25. Pollock insisted that South Africa ‘did not want to take any risks’ with Klaasen, who is a very key player for the Proteas.
South Africa starting XI vs Afghanistan
Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi