ISLAMABAD: Afghanistan and South Africa will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign tomorrow (Friday) at the National Stadium, Karachi, in a highly anticipated Group B clash.
Ahead of the match, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dismissed any pressure on his team, expressing confidence in their ability to compete for the title.
Shahidi highlighted Afghanistan’s progress over the years and their recent success against South Africa, ESPNCricinfo reported.
“There is a lot of difference between Afghanistan in 2019 and now. We have already defeated South Africa in an ODI series before the Champions Trophy 2025, which gives us confidence. Right now, we are focused on what we can achieve in this tournament, and there is no pressure on us,” Shahidi stated.
Afghanistan is missing their teenage mystery spinner AM Ghazanfar due to injury, but they still have enough weaponry in form of Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi and Nangeylia Kharote. They will also be enjoying a lot of fan support in Karachi.
Afghanistan vs South Africa head-to-head
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.
Afghanistan’s spin attack
Afghanistan’s strength lies in its spin bowling attack, featuring world-class spinners who have consistently troubled top batting line-ups. However, their batting depth has often relied on a few key players to make the innings.
Afghanistan’s performance against established teams has been commendable. Their series victory over South Africa in 2024 not only boosted their confidence but also signalled their capability to challenge cricketing powerhouses.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi emphasised the importance of playing fearless cricket, stating, “We have recently beaten South Africa in Sharjah so we have that confidence with us and we are not under any pressure.”
South Africa’s transitional phase
On the other hand, South Africa, traditionally a formidable force in ODI cricket, has experienced a transitional phase with the retirement of seasoned players and the inclusion of fresh talent.
Their batting line-up boasts a mix of experience and youth, with players capable of making the innings and speeding up when needed. The bowling attack, spearheaded by a blend of pace and spin, aims to exploit any vulnerabilities in the opposition’s batting order.
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for its batting-friendly pitches, with an underlying assistance to spinners as the game progresses. Day matches often witness high temperatures, which can be taxing on players, while day-night fixtures offer relatively cooler conditions in the evening.
The pitch’s nature suggests that teams might prefer batting first to set a formidable total and then utilise their spinners to control the game’s tempo in the second innings.
Key players to watch
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): A premier leg-spinner with the ability to turn matches single-handedly. His variations and control make him a constant threat in the middle overs.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (Afghanistan): A dynamic opening batsman known for his aggressive stroke play, capable of providing explosive starts.
Heinrich Klaasen (South Africa): An experienced wicketkeeper-batsman whose proficiency at the top of the order sets the foundation for South Africa’s innings.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): A fast bowler renowned for his pace and accuracy, important in both the opening and death overs.
