Ryan Rickelton’s century powers South Africa to complete their inning with a target of 315 at the end of 50 overs in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Afghanistan at Karachi.
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 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.
History has been made! #RyanRickelton becomes the first WK/batter from South Africa to score a century in the Champions Trophy. #ChampionsTrophyOnJioStar 👉🏻 Afghanistan 🆚 South Africa | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 2 & Sports 18-1!
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