Afghanistan vs South Africa, The ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Preview, squads, key players & predictions

 

 Photo: Hashmat Ullah Shahidi and Temba Bavuma credit-ICC

Overview

The ICC Champions Trophy 2023 Group B 1st match is to be played between South Africa and Afghanistan at National Stadium Karachi on February 23, 2025. South Africa and Afghanistan are placed in group B along with England and World Champions Australia. 

This match is significant for both teams as they are already in a very tough group, including all the top sides. So, both teams will try to get a win here and start the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on a positive note. Moreover, if you lose a single game, this is a format where you will be on the brink of elimination. We are expecting a cracker of a game in our hands.

In this article, we will discuss the Squads and key players for both sides, head-to-head record, recent performances, pitch and conditions, and match predictions.

Team News and playing 11's

The pitch that was used for the 1st match between Pakistan and New Zealand was a little bit slow and the ball was not coming onto the bat well, spinners got a good purchase so we are expecting both teams to go with their spinning options. Afghanistan will miss the services of their young spinner ALLAH Ghazanfar who is already ruled out of the event due to injury. So, Mujeeb ur Rehman is expected to replace him.

South Africa will go into this match with their full-strength team. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jensen, Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, and David Miller are expected to be back for this contest. The biggest question will be on the recovery of Henrick Kalassan who got a finger injury in the Tri-Nation series. As per the media reports, he is not fully recovered and it is expected that he will be rested for this encounter. Rassie Vanderdusen will replace him in the team.

    Photo: Aiden Markram credits-ICC

Head-to-Head and Recent Performances

Both the Teams have come across 5 times in ODI in which South Africa won 3 whereas Afghanistan 2. 

If we look at the recent performances South Africa has performed very poorly in the recently concluded Tri-Nation series they lost both of their group-stage matches against Pakistan and New Zealand. Earlier they lost to Pakistan 3-0 at home in an ODI series. So, they will be certainly under a bit of pressure to perform in the ICC    Champions Trophy 2025.

Afghanistan are coming into this event on the back of 2 wins against Zimbabwe so they will be feeling confident. However, South Africa is a much tougher opposition as compared to Zimbabwe.

Who are the Key players to watch?

Ryan Rickelton

Ryan Rickelton is in top form as he recently scored a double hundred in the test series against Pakistan so, he will be one of the players to watch out for in this match. South Africa will definitely want him to go big again.

KG Rabada

Kagiso Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in the world right now, South Africa will want their star man to be back to his very best early in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

David Miller

David Miller is South Africa's one of the most experienced players over the years, he has finished a lot of games for his side. South Africa wants him to do his business once again in this tournament.

Rashid Khan

Afghanistan Captain Rashid is one of the best spinners in the world right now, Conditions in Pakistan will provide him a lot of assistance. So, He will be expected to be the x-factor for his side in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

    Photo: Rashid Khan credits-ICC
 

Rehamnan Ullah Gurbaz 

Rehman Ullah Gurbaz is the Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batsman who plays in the top order for his team. He is a fine cricketer for his side. He will hold the key for Afghanistan in this contest. They will expect him to provide them good solid start in this event.

Pitch and conditions

Weather is expected to be clear and pleasant for this encounter. The pitch is expected to be fresh and good for batting. It is expected to be a high-scoring name. Whereas spinners will get good assistance from the pitch.

Who will win this match?

South Africa is a powerful team in the world of cricket right now. They have firepower at the top and down the order they have a good middle also. Good spinners and quality fast bowling add strength to their team. They will enter into this contest as strong favorites but Afghanistan has proved again and again that they are more than more than capable of beating any side on their day, As they have already beaten Pakistan and Australia in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 and The ICC T20 World Cup 2024. They have one of the best spin attacks in the world right now So, South Africa will be aware of their threat and they will try to bring their A game against a quality Afghanistan side. 

    Photo: Tristian Stubbs, David Miller, Nagidi, and other players credits-ICC

So, What do you think will Afghanistan upset South Africa? or South Africa will be the dominant force in this game? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.