South Africa registered a thumping 107-run win over Afghanistan in their Group B match of the Champions Trophy 2025 on February 27. Chasing a target of 316, Afghanistan could only manage 208 runs in their response.
South Africa bully Afghanistan in Champions Trophy's campaign opener
Ryan Rickelton remained the architect of South Africa's win as he dazzled with a magnificent century to help South Africa post a big total of 315/6. Star opener Ryan Rickelton cracked 103 runs off 106 balls, which was decorated with seven fours and a six, set the tone for the match after South Africa chose to bat first upon winning the toss. Captain Temba Bavuma provided valuable support with a 58-run knock from 76 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen (52 runs off 46 balls) and Aiden Markram (50 not out off 34 balls) also chipped in with crucial contributions.
Talking about Afghanistan's chase, their batting faltered under pressure, given the massive target. Their chase never gained momentum, and they were eventually bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. Rahmat Shah provided a lone bright spot for his team with a valiant 90 runs off 92 balls, while Kagiso Rabada was the standout performer with the ball for South Africa, taking 3 wickets for 36 runs in 8.3 overs.
Afghanistan falter in big chase
Afghanistan's innings began cautiously, with openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran adding just 12 runs in the first three overs. South Africa quickly broke through, however, when Lungi Ngidi's bouncer surprised Gurbaz (10 off 14), who top-edged a pull shot to Keshav Maharaj at short-leg fine. Rabada then joined the attack, dismantling Ibrahim Zadran's (17 off 29) stumps to leave Afghanistan struggling at 38/2. Rahmat Shah then walked in, but Afghanistan's woes continued with Sediqullah Atal (16 off 32) being run out by a direct hit from Marco Jansen. As wickets tumbled around him, Rahmat Shah remained the only resistance, scoring a gritty half-century and continuing to play freely while his teammates succumbed to the pressure.
Rahmat Shah's valiant effort ultimately fell just short of a century, as he was the final wicket to fall, sealing Afghanistan's fate at 208 all out. Rabada, Ngidi (2/56), and Wiaan Mulder (2/36) were the most successful bowlers for South Africa.
Ryan Rickelton's century in South Africa's dashing win
Earlier, South Africa suffered an early setback when they lost Tony de Zorzi (11 off 11), dismissed by Mohammad Nabi (2/51), leaving the team at 28/1 in 5.1 overs. However, his opening partner, Ryan Rickelton, immediately looked comfortable at the crease, scoring a boundary off his third delivery against Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Rickelton continued his aggressive approach, taking on the Afghan seamer in the fourth over with consecutive boundaries and his only six of the innings. The 28-year-old, playing in just his seventh ODI, demonstrated remarkable composure and maturity, consistently rotating the strike and building a century partnership for the second wicket with Temba Bavuma.
Rickelton reached his second ODI fifty off 48 balls, courtesy of a couple of boundaries against Azmatullah Omarzai. At the other end, Bavuma provided solid support, and together they forged a substantial 129-run partnership off 142 balls for the second wicket. Bavuma (58 off 76) also reached his sixth ODI fifty before being dismissed on the very next delivery after surviving a close lbw appeal against Nabi.
Undeterred, Rickelton continued his strong innings, displaying a clear determination to convert his start into a substantial score. His aggressive strokeplay troubled all the Afghan bowlers as he rapidly advanced into the 90s. Despite falling short of a century against Ireland last year, the left-hander showed no signs of hesitation as he approached the coveted milestone.
He finally reached his maiden ODI century off 101 balls, taking a single against Nabi and acknowledging the enthusiastic applause from the crowd and the dressing room. However, his innings came to an unfortunate end when he was run out in a bizarre manner by Rashid Khan.
Even after Rickelton's dismissal, South Africa's momentum continued. Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46) and Aiden Markram (50 not out off 34) both contributed fifties, propelling their team past the 300-run mark.
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