South Africa thrash Afghanistan by 107 runs in Champions Trophy match

Ryan Rickelton’s anchoring century, followed by a combined bowling effort, led South Africa to a resounding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 here at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Chasing a daunting 316-run target, Afghanistan’s batting unit unfolded on a meagre 208 in 43.3 overs despite a valiant innings from Rahmat Shah.

The middle-order batter waged a lone battle for Afghanistan, top-scoring with a gritty 90 off 91 deliveries, laced with nine fours and a six.

Besides him, no Afghanistan batter could pose a significant threat to the Proteas bowlers, with 18 each from Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai being the notable contributions.

Kagiso Rabada led the bowling charge for South Africa with three wickets, followed by Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi, who bagged two each, while Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen shared two between them.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma’s decision to bat first bore fruit as his side notched up 315/6 in the allotted overs.