South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs in Champions Trophy clash

Rahmat Shah’s 90 runs for Afghanistan were not enough to stave off a 107-run defeat as South Africa dominated the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

South Africa posted a massive total of 315/6 in their allotted overs, buoyed by Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century of 103 off 106 balls and Aiden Markram’s unbeaten 52 off 36 balls.

Rickelton’s innings, featuring seven fours and a six, laid the foundation, while contributions from captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen bolstered the score further.

 

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Despite an early setback when Mohammad Nabi dismissed Tony de Zorzi for 11 on the first ball of the sixth over, Bavuma and Rickelton added 129 runs for the second wicket.

Nabi, who later claimed two wickets for 51 in his 10 overs, was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, with additional scalps by Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor, and Fazalhaq Farooqi.

Although Rahmat Shah’s aggressive 90 was a bright spot for Afghanistan, it was insufficient to change the match’s outcome.

The result further strengthens South Africa’s position in the tournament, highlighting their potent blend of robust batting and effective bowling. This win clearly underscores their overall tournament dominance.