Champions ODI Cup, 2025

Match 3: AFG vs SA

Preview

The Champions ODI Cup 2025 began in spectacular fashion with eight sides all set to tussle out for silverware. South Africa’s quest for a major trophy still continues after almost 25 years of their inaugural triumphant Champions Cup campaign back in 2000.

Afghanistan have been making massive strides in the cricketing community off late and they will hope to get their hands around the coveted trophy. Expect a tight contest between the two quality sides. 

In the batting department, Afghanistan possesses the likes of Rahmunullahh Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and skipper Hasmiti Shahidi. The opening pair of Gurbaz and Zadran will hold the key. They have been Afghanistan’’s most consistent batters over the years in this format and their partnership up top will set the tone of Afghanistan’s innings. Even in the middle order they have no shortage of quality.  Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammed Nabi constitute their middle order. 

Rashid Khan will lead their spin bowling department. The spin wizard will be accompanied by Noor Ahmed, Nageyalia Khatore and Nabi. Fazalhaq Farooqui will spearhead the inexperienced pace bowling attack.

Led by Temba Bavuma, South Africa would be keen to start their Champions Cup on a high. The proteas would look to shake off the Tri Nation Series disappointment and start afresh. They have a pretty decent squad with great balance and depth in all fronts. Skipper Bavuma will open the inning alongside Ryan Rickelton followed by Aiden Markram, Rassie Van Der Dussen and the ever so dangerous Heinrich Klassen. 

Kagison Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen are the three frontline pacers for the men in green. Wiann Mudler will be slotted into the playing XI as a pace bowling all rounder. Mudler over the past few months and has proven to be handy with both bat and bat. Keshav Maharaj will shoulder the spin bowling responsibility. Tabraiz Shamsi might come in as the second spinner based on the conditions. 

Match Details 

Match: AFG vs SA, 3rd Match, Group B, Champions ODI Cup, 2025

Date: Friday, February 21, 2025

Time: 2:30 PM

Venue:National Stadium, Karachi

Squad News

South Africa 

South Africa could be forced to sit out both Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs in what is an already potent batting lineup. Aiden Markram’s part time off spin means they may opt to go with only one specialist spinner in Keshav Maharaj, which will create room for both seam bowling all rounders- Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mudler- and two other pacers. 

Afghanistan

Afghanistan will be bolstered by the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who last played a competitive game for them in March. His return to the playing XI gives Afghanistan an extra edge in their batting department. AM Ghaznfar is injured and has thus been ruled out of the tournament. This means Afghanistan will have to pick between left arm wrist spinner Noor, who enjoyed success at the SA20 League, and left arm fingerspinner Nageyalia. That would give them a variety of spin alternatives, alongside Rashid and Nabi in the team and four seam bowlers to start with.

Pitch and Weather Report

Karachi pitch is one of the slower pitches in Pakistan where you could see uneven bounce and batters can find it difficult to hit it through the line. We are predicting the spin bowlers to play a critical role in this match with the old ball. 

Bright and sunny weather conditions are predicted for the day. So, expect a full match without any rain interruptions.

AFG vs SA Squads

AFG: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote

SA: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen

AFG vs SA Probable Playing XIs

AFG: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad/Nangeyalia Kharote, Naveed Zadran, Fazalhaq Farooqi

SA: Temba Bavuma (capt) Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj Kagiso Rabada

Match Prediction

South Africa packs a punch in their batting with quality batters in top-6 who can single handedly decide the outcome of the match. They also possess a nice mix of pace and spin bowlers in their playing XI. Afghanistan also has a decent batting line-up with plenty of all- rounders in their ranks but we are backing SA to just edge past Shahidi and co. due to the balance and depth within the squad. 

South Africa to win this match.  

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