Champions Trophy: Afghanistan vs South Africa – When and Where to Watch
Afghanistan will make their Champions Trophy debut against South Africa on Wednesday at the renovated National Stadium in Karachi.
Karachi: Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Debut Against South Africa
Afghanistan will make their Champions Trophy debut against South Africa on Wednesday at the renovated National Stadium in Karachi. Led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan has built a reputation for being a surprise package in global tournaments, having impressed in both the 2023 ODI World Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
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South Africa’s Strong Contenders Despite Inconsistencies
South Africa, under the captaincy of Temba Bavuma, boasts a dynamic batting lineup, making them strong contenders for the title despite recent inconsistencies in form.
Also Read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Bangladesh Opts to Bat First After Winning the Toss Against India
Head-to-Head: Afghanistan vs South Africa
The two teams have faced each other five times in ODIs, with South Africa leading the head-to-head 3-2. However, Afghanistan made history last year by clinching their maiden ODI series win over South Africa, securing a 2-1 victory in Sharjah.
Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Debut & South Africa’s Quest for Glory
This match marks Afghanistan’s debut in the Champions Trophy, while South Africa will be looking to overcome their history of near-misses in ICC events. Their most recent heartbreak came in the 2024 T20 World Cup final, where they narrowly lost to India. Afghanistan, however, reached the semifinals in the same tournament before falling to the Proteas.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa’s batting is bolstered by Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Rassie van der Dussen, with a potent bowling attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Afghanistan also has in-form players, including Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Mohammad Nabi. With a mix of experience and rising talent, both teams will be eager to make a strong statement.
Pitch Conditions at National Stadium, Karachi
The National Stadium in Karachi is historically a batting-friendly venue. Recent matches have seen teams push totals close to 300, with Pakistan famously chasing down 350+ against New Zealand at this venue. The pitch is expected to favour batters, offering good pace and bounce, though fast bowlers may get some assistance under lights. Spinners could come into play in the latter half of the innings.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
- Time: The AFG vs SA match will take place on Friday at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss at 2:00 PM IST.
- Venue: National Cricket Stadium, Karachi
- Broadcast: The match will be broadcast on Star Sports and Network 18 channels. It will also be live-streamed on JioHotstar.
Squads
- Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
- Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami
- South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch
- Travelling Reserve: Kwena Maphaka
