The third clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to feature Afghanistan and South Africa, taking the field at Karachi’s National Stadium this Friday, February 21.
The two teams are entering the tournament opener from very different backgrounds. Afghanistan, unfortunately, didn’t find success in their warm-up matches, falling to the Pakistan Shaheens by a hefty 144 runs and then narrowly losing to New Zealand by 2 wickets. On the other hand, South Africa secured a boost in confidence by defeating the same Shaheens squad with a 3-wicket victory. Both squads are gearing up for what could be an early tournament-defining showdown. Here’s a closer look at what to expect from the AFG vs SA encounter.
AFG vs SA Match Preview – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 3:
Match Details:
The match between Afghanistan and South Africa is scheduled for Friday, February 21. Cricket fans can catch the action starting at 2:30 PM IST at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Team Line-ups:
Afghanistan Squad:
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi leads the team, supported by notable players like Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. The roster includes familiar faces like Gulbadin Naib and Rashid Khan, alongside promising talents like Noor Ahmad and Naveed Zadran. On standby are Darwish Rasooli and Bilal Sami.
South Africa Squad:
Captain Temba Bavuma heads a squad featuring power hitters like Marco Jansen and Aiden Markram, with the bowling prowess of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. Rassie van der Dussen rounds out a strong batting lineup, supported by spin talent Tabraiz Shamsi. Kwena Maphaka is traveling with the team as a reserve.
Key Showdowns:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs. Kagiso Rabada:
Afghanistan’s opener, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, poses a significant threat. Known for his consistency and his stellar performance in last year’s T20 World Cup, Gurbaz will look to leave his mark here too. South Africa will turn to their pace ace, Kagiso Rabada, to neutralize Gurbaz early and shift momentum their way.
Heinrich Klaasen vs. Rashid Khan:
Heinrich Klaasen stands out as a key player for South Africa, especially against Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack. His spin-batting expertise, honed in the IPL, will be put to the test as the Afghan spinners, led by Rashid Khan, aim to outsmart him and disrupt South Africa’s strategy.
Hashmatullah Shahidi vs. Keshav Maharaj:
Hashmatullah Shahidi will be keen to lead by example. With past performances including a double century against Zimbabwe and notable scores in recent warm-up matches, the Afghan captain anchors his team’s hopes. South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj will have the task of keeping Shahidi at bay and limiting Afghanistan’s chances of setting a large total.
Players to Watch Out For:
Afghanistan will heavily rely on Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Azmatullah Omarzai, along with their spin maestro Rashid Khan. For the South African side, the spotlight will be on Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen, and the versatile Wiaan Mulder, with Rabada playing a pivotal role in their bowling attack.
Weather and Pitch Conditions:
The weather looks favorable for cricket, with no rain expected in Karachi. Temperatures will lower as the match progresses from the early 30s during the afternoon to the 20s post-sunset. Batsmen are likely to enjoy the conditions as the pitch promises limited support for bowlers.
Wrapping Up:
Given the formidable presence of England and Australia within the same group, securing a win in this match is crucial for both Afghanistan and South Africa to keep their semifinal hopes alive. Fans can expect a fiercely contested battle as both teams lay it all on the line.
