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Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan cricket team is competing against Temba Bavuma's South Africa in match 3 of the ongoing edition of the ICC Champions Trophy at the National Stadium in Karachi, on February 21 (Friday). However, the Proteas team has suffered an injury scare due to which their star batter Heinrich Klaasen will be missing out on their opening match of the mega tournament.
Heinrich Klaasen out of Afghanistan clash
The South African team has ruled out star batter Heinrich Klaasen from the match against Afghanistan as a precaution. He has a soft tissue injury in his left elbow. There is no official update on him yet, and it is unclear whether he will be available for the next clash.
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Even Temba Bavuma did not mention the batter during the toss. Klaasen has been one of the biggest performers for the Proteas, and his absence will definitely affect the side despite their depth in batting.
"We will have a bat first. Looks a bit different that what we have been experiencing here, not sure how will it react. Will try to post a competitive total on the board. I have a lot of confidence in our bowling attack, today we have gone for a lone spinner in Shamsi and the rest are seamers," said Bavuma after winning the toss.
AFG vs SA Playing XIs
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
