Afghanistan lost two wickets and struggled with 38 runs in the power play during the Champions Trophy 2025 match against South Africa on February 21.
After Proteas set a target of 316, Afghanistan started with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran where both of them were dismissed cheaply.
Ngidi sent off Gurbaz for 10 runs in the 4th over while Rabada picked the wicket of Zadran for 17 runs leaving Afghanistan helpless.
Sediqullah Atal and Rahmat Shah will be looking to build up a partnership during their chase against the mammoth score set by South Africa.
INNINGS CHANGE! 🔁@MohammadNabi007 (2/51), @AzmatOmarzay (1/39), @fazalfarooqi10 (1/59) and @noor_ahmad_15 (1/65) chipped in with wickets as the @ProteasMenCSA posted 315/6 runs on the board in the first. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ChampionsTrophy | #AFGvSA |… pic.twitter.com/fzVUrjdY48
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 21, 2025
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 overs 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, Afghanistan’s Nabi dismissed Bavuma and gave the much-needed break for Afghanistan.
But Ryan Rickelton continued his momentum and scored a century but soon lost his wicket in an unexpected runout. Aiden Markram with his unbeaten 52 pushed South Africa to end with a massive score of 315 for six wickets loss at the end of 50 overs.
