Debutants Afghanistan will look to continue their meteoric rise in white-ball cricket, while South Africa aims to finally shed the ‘chokers’ tag when both teams kick off their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign in Karachi on Friday.
The Proteas won their only ICC men’s senior title in 1998, when the tournament was called the Knockout Trophy. Despite producing some of the greatest cricketers in the limited-overs format, South Africa has often faltered on big occasions.
South Africa’s Strengths and Concerns
South Africa enters the tournament with a well-balanced squad and a formidable batting lineup.
- Top order: Skipper Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram provide stability.
- Middle order firepower: The trio of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs are capable of accelerating the scoring rate in the final overs.
However, South Africa’s biggest concern is their injury-hit bowling attack. Key pacers Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee have been ruled out.
- Kagiso Rabada remains the spearhead, expected to make an impact in both the powerplay and death overs.
- Marco Jansen will need to step up, using his height and bounce to trouble batters.
- Lungi Ngidi, after a disappointing tri-series, must regain his form.
- Spin duo Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi will play key roles, especially on Pakistan’s spin-friendly pitches.
South Africa’s form heading into the tournament is shaky. Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, they have won only four of their last 14 ODIs and are on a six-match losing streak. However, they have rarely fielded a full-strength squad during this period.
With England struggling and Australia battling injuries, South Africa has a strong chance to reach the semi-finals. But they must avoid any slip-ups, especially against a dangerous Afghanistan side.
Afghanistan: No Longer Underdogs
Once considered outsiders, Afghanistan has emerged as genuine contenders in international cricket. Their recent ICC tournament performances have been nothing short of remarkable:
- 2023 ODI World Cup: Dominant wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
- T20 World Cup 2024: Reached the semi-finals.
- ODI Success: Won four of their last five bilateral series, including one against South Africa in the UAE.
Afghanistan’s Key Strength: Spin Dominance
Afghanistan’s biggest weapon is their world-class spin attack:
- Rashid Khan, their premier match-winner, will lead the bowling unit.
- Mohammad Nabi, along with left-arm spinners Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote, adds variety and control.
- All their group matches will be played in Pakistan, where spin will be a decisive factor.
Pace and Batting: Areas to Watch
- Azmatullah Omarzai has been a key figure, using his ability to swing the new ball to provide early breakthroughs.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi will also be crucial, especially in death overs.
In the batting department, Afghanistan relies on Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran for strong starts. However, their middle-order inconsistency remains a concern. They have struggled to maintain momentum, and fixing this issue will be crucial for success in the tournament.
Squads for the Match
South Africa vs. Afghanistan: Clash of Cricketing Titans
South Africa Squad
Captain: Temba Bavuma
Batters: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs
Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen
All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen
Spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pacers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
Afghanistan Squad
Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil
All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib
Spinners: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Nangyal Kharoti
Pacers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
A Crucial Battle Awaits
This match is a huge test for both teams. South Africa wants to break free from their ICC tournament struggles, while Afghanistan aims to prove they belong among the world’s best. With spin expected to play a major role, this encounter promises to be an exciting contest.
Can Afghanistan stun the Proteas again, or will South Africa’s experience prevail? Fans are in for a thrilling battle!
