Rickelton’s century powers South Africa to commanding win over Afghanistan

English , Snippets , Sports - کھیل اور کھلاڑی , / Friday, February 21st, 2025

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South Africa secured a dominant 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy Group B clash at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday. The win significantly boosts South Africa’s chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Opener Ryan Rickelton was the standout performer, smashing his maiden ODI century with a superb 103 off 106 balls, including seven boundaries and a six. His composed innings anchored South Africa’s imposing total of 315-6 after captain Temba Bavuma opted to bat first.
Rickelton received strong support from Bavuma, who scored a steady 58, while middle-order contributions from Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking. Mohammad Nabi was Afghanistan’s best bowler, claiming 2-51, including the early dismissal of opener Tony de Zorzi for 11.
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs, with their star spinner Rashid Khan going wicketless for 59 runs in his 10 overs. Markram’s late surge, which included six boundaries and a six, propelled South Africa past the 300-run mark, adding 50 runs in the final five overs.
In reply, Afghanistan’s innings faltered early. South Africa’s pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada (3-36), Wiaan Mulder (2-36), and Lungi Ngidi (2-56), left Afghanistan reeling at 50-4 within 10 overs. Despite a valiant effort from Rahmat Shah, who scored a gritty 90 off 92 balls with nine boundaries and a six, Afghanistan lacked the partnerships needed to mount a serious challenge.
Rashid Khan briefly entertained the crowd with a quickfire 18 off 13 balls, including a six and three boundaries, but his efforts fell short. Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, falling well short of the target.