South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first against Afghanistan in the third match of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Cricket Stadium, Karachi on Friday.
Afghanistan and South Africa have faced each other five times in One Day Internationals (ODIs). South Africa holds a slight edge with three victories, while Afghanistan has won twice.
Their inaugural meeting was during the ICC World Cup 2019 in Cardiff, where South Africa secured a dominant nine-wicket win.
The most recent series between the two teams took place in Sharjah in September 2024, with Afghanistan clinching the series 2-1, showing their quick progression in international cricket.
Afghanistan gained ODI status in 2009 to make their Champions Trophy debut in 2025. The team’s rise has been fuelled by a blend of excellent talent and strategic development.
PLAYING XIs
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.
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.
