Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammad Nabi broke the threatening partnership between Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton by dismissing Bavuma for 58 runs in the fifth delivery of the 29th over.
After Tony de Zorzi’s dismissal, Afghanistan struggled to contain the South Africans as Bavuma and Ryan continued to strike aggressively.
Mohammad Nabi in the 29th over struck again and dismissed Bavuma and broke the 129-run stand.
Today’s match against South Africa at Karachi will be the maiden ICC Champions Trophy appearance for Afghanistan.
South African captain Temba Bavuma decided to bat first after winning the toss against Afghanistan at Karachi and said “They will try to post a competitive total on the board”.
The Proteas have decided to go with a lone spinner for the Karachi clash. Keshav Maharaj is the lone spinner in South Africa’s playing 11 for Afghanistan clash at Karachi.
It is worth mentioning that, only two of Afghanistan’s 175 ODIs have been in Pakistan. Both were in Lahore, where they were beaten by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the 2023 Asia Cup.
On the other hand, South Africa has lost three of the four ODIs they have played at this ground.
Speaking of the match, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first where Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi opened the attack. The duo made a steady start and added 28 runs in five wickets without losing a wicket.
But Mohammad Nabi came into the attack and broke the partnership by dismissing de Zorzi for 11 runs and registered his maiden Champions Trophy wicket. Following Zorzi’s dismissal, South African captain Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton made a century stand and pushed the team’s score beyond the 150 mark.
While the duo was seen threatening, Nabi, dismissed Bavuma and brought Afghanistan back in the game.
