ISLAMABAD (PEN) : South Africa triumphed over Afghanistan with a dominant 107-run victory in the third match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Set a challenging target of 316, Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in just 43.3 overs. Their innings faltered early on, managing only 38 runs during the first powerplay while losing two wickets. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s top batter, fell first, caught by Keeshav Maharaj at short fine leg after scoring just 10 runs off 14 balls. Ibrahim Zadran (17) soon followed, dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, leaving Afghanistan struggling at 38-2.
Things didn’t improve as Sediqullah Atal (16) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (0) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Afghanistan at 50-4. Azmatullah Omarzai briefly counter-attacked, hitting three boundaries in his 18-run knock, but was dismissed with the score at 89.
Rahmat Shah remained steady in the middle, but continued to lose partners as Mohammad Nabi (8), Gulbadin Naib (13), and Rashid Khan (18) all fell. A late 39-run partnership for the ninth wicket between Rahmat Shah and Noor Ahmad (9 off 15 balls) gave some hope before Ahmad was clean bowled by Wiaan Mulder. Rahmat Shah was dismissed soon after, with Afghanistan bowled out for 208.
Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with 90 runs off 92 balls, including nine fours and a six. South Africa’s bowlers were outstanding, with Kagiso Rabada taking 3 wickets for 36 runs, while Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder picked up two wickets each.
Earlier, South Africa posted a formidable total of 315/6, thanks to a brilliant century from Ryan Rickelton. After losing opening batter Tony de Zorzi early for 11 runs, captain Temba Bavuma joined Rickelton for a strong 129-run partnership. Bavuma scored 58 before being dismissed, but Rickelton continued to dominate. He completed his maiden ODI century, scoring 103 off 106 balls, before being run out by Rashid Khan.
Rassie van der Dussen contributed with 52 runs, while Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 52 off 36 balls, helping South Africa reach 315/6. The impressive performance with both bat and ball secured a comfortable victory for the Proteas, making it a memorable outing in the Champions Trophy.
