South Africa started their ICC Champions Trophy journey in stunning style, crushing Afghanistan by 107 runs in a Group B clash at the National Stadium. Ryan Rickelton's debut ODI hundred and a sterner bowling display aided the Proteas to put an end to their recent string of defeats in dominant fashion.
Historic Match Aggregate Between South Africa & Afghanistan
In a scorefest of high-scoring encounters where the collective total of 523 runs set a record within this particular partnership in ODIs, South Africa posted a threatening total of 315/6. Rickelton, recently in good shape in the SA20 and performing exceptionally well during a Test game against Pakistan, was the leading light with an elegant 103. His run-chase supported by half centuries from Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (50), and Aiden Markram (52*) had the Proteas put up a fighting score.
It took a wobbly beginning to be overcome after that, when Rickelton and Bavuma stabilized the innings with a pivotal 129-run stand. Bavuma played carefully to get set before coming onto his shots, but his task was cut short at 58 when he got out to Mohammad Nabi on a attempt to accelerate the rate of scoring. Rickelton scored his mark in 106 balls before being dismissed shortly afterward, leaving it to the middle order to rebuild. Even though Afghanistan's bowlers temporarily slowed the run-scoring, Markram and David Miller added the finishing touches, taking South Africa to the 300-run mark.
South African Pacers Dominate Afghanistan's Chase
Requiring 316 to win, Afghanistan found it difficult to pick up the momentum as South Africa's pace bowlers put early pressure. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi drew bounce and movement to unsettle the batters, setting the tone for the match. Contrary to expectations that the Karachi pitch could provide swing under lights, the conditions remained flat, with the pacers having to change gears with variations in length and pace.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz survived a blistering start, being hit hard by Jansen before falling for 10 to a wicked short ball by Ngidi in the fifth over. Ibrahim Zadran tried to launch a counter-attack with a six off Kagiso Rabada but was caught out by a searing 148.3 kph delivery that carted his middle stump out of the ground. Sediqullah Atal toiled in his bouncy 32-ball existence, constantly getting outsmitted ahead of Jansen's precise chuck hurrying him back. It then carried on into collapse territory with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi waywardly calling a shot before he got picked at mid-on off Wiaan Mulder as Afghanistan clung precariously at 51/4 through the 15th over.
A fleeting fightback was provided by Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmat Shah, who tried to rebuild the innings. But Rabada's return in the 22nd over saw Omarzai getting out for 18, gloving a short ball to the keeper. While Rahmat Shah played a gritty innings, reaching a well-deserved fifty off 62 balls. While he managed the odd boundary, the absence of support from the other end ensured that Afghanistan's chase was uphill.
Rahmat Shah Battles, Rashid Dazzles, But South Africa Dominates
While South Africa's pacers continued to apply constant pressure, Rahmat Shah was rock-like, piecing together an innings of value. His fifty consisted of accurate placement and judicious strokes, topped by a smooth flick through mid-on to complete the landmark. As the required run rate mounted, the challenge got progressively tougher.
A rare moment of thrill was provided when Rashid Khan walked out to the crease. The crowd's favorite did not waste time, hitting his first ball over deep point for six, and then another sixer over mid-on. He then set about challenging Keshav Maharaj, hitting successive boundaries in a thrilling cameo. But his impetus came at a price as Maharaj caught him at midwicket for a quick 18 from 13 balls.
Rahmat Shah, who remained committed until the end, got four successive boundaries in a late burst, but Afghanistan's fate was already sealed as wickets kept falling. He remained not out on 90, and Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs. South Africa's bowling unit implemented their strategies to perfection—Rabada spearheaded the attack with three wickets, and Ngidi and Mulder took two each.
A Statement Win for South Africa
This commanding win gave South Africa the ideal beginning to their Champions Trophy tournament. Rickelton's debut century set the tone, while the bowling department provided a clinical finish. For Afghanistan, Rahmat Shah's courageous 90 was the sole highlight in an otherwise dismal outing.
Match Summary:
South Africa – 315/6 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 103, Temba Bavuma 58; Mohammad Nabi 2-51, Fazalhaq Farooqi 1-59)
Afghanistan – 208 total in 43.2 overs (Rahmat Shah 90, Rashid Khan 18; Kagiso Rabada 3-36, Wiaan Mulder 2-36)
Result: South Africa won by 107 runs.
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