Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the Group B opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The Afghans, buoyed by their recent 2-1 series win over the Proteas, will aim to continue their fine ODI form, while South Africa, now at full strength, looks to bounce back from their Tri-Series struggles.
Match Details
Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM PST / 1:30 PM (toss)
Venue: National Bank Stadium, Karachi
Live Broadcast: Ten Sports, PTV Sports, Tapmad
Predicted Playing XIs
Afghanistan will be strengthened by the return of Ibrahim Zadran, who is set to reunite with Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top. The duo has been a key asset, averaging 48.84 as an opening pair.
Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will anchor the middle order, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad will lead the spin attack.
Afghan players will be boosted by their experience of playing in Pakistan previously.
Afghanistan’s probable XI:
Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik
South Africa welcomes back key players after their SA20 league commitments. Temba Bavuma leads a formidable squad featuring Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, and Kagiso Rabada. Ryan Rickelton is expected to edge out Tony de Zorzi for a spot in the XI.
South Africa’s probable XI:
Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Head-to-Head
South Africa and Afghanistan have faced each other five times in One Day Internationals (ODIs), with South Africa holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record.
The Proteas have secured three victories, while Afghanistan has won twice.
As both teams prepare to clash in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Afghanistan will look to level the record, while South Africa aims to extend their dominance.
Pitch Report & Match Outlook
Karachi’s National Bank Stadium offers a balanced surface, with early assistance for pacers and increasing aid for spinners as the match progresses.
Chasing has been favourable in ODIs at this venue.
Afghanistan enters with confidence after their recent series win over South Africa, but with the Proteas now at full strength, they will start as favourites.
A competitive contest awaits in this crucial Group B fixture.
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