ICC Champions Trophy Points Table Updated After AFG vs SA! South Africa Packed Afghanistan to Claim the first WIN in Tournament

The Champions Trophy 2025 saw its third match and the first clash for Group B, as South Africa won the toss and chose to bat against Afghanistan. However, their plans took a small hit with Heinrich Klaasen ruled out due to a left elbow injury as a precaution.

Afghanistan, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi, backed their strength in spin, hoping to rattle South Africa early with quick wickets in the powerplay. Meanwhile, South Africa, under Temba Bavuma’s leadership, placed their trust in a pace-heavy attack, picking Keshav Maharaj as the lone spinner instead of Tabraiz Shamsi, though Bavuma amusingly got it wrong at the toss. 

With Afghanistan’s crafty spinners up against South Africa’s explosive batting lineup, the stage was set for a thrilling contest to kick off Group B’s battle for supremacy. 

Afghanistan (Playing XI): Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

SOUTH Africa Innings- 315/6 (50 Overs)

Batting first, South Africa posted an imposing 315/6 after a strong display from their top order. Tony de Zorzi fell early to Mohammad Nabi’s spin, but Ryan Rickelton (103) and Temba Bavuma (58) steadied the innings with a solid partnership. Rickelton played freely, keeping the scoreboard ticking, while Bavuma took his time before falling after his fifty. 

The momentum continued as Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52) added more valuable runs. A quick cameo from Wiaan Mulder ensured South Africa finished on a high. Nabi was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, but the rest struggled to contain the flow of runs.

Afghanistan Innings- 208/10 (43.3 overs)

Chasing 316, Afghanistan never really got going. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran departed early, followed by a run-out of Sediqullah Atal that left them reeling. Things worsened when captain Hashmatullah Shahidi fell for a duck, leaving Afghanistan at 50/4.

Rahmat Shah (98) fought bravely, holding one end, but lacked support as wickets kept tumbling. Afghanistan had big expectations from the middle-order batters like Omarzai, Nabi, and Gulbadin Naib but it wasn't a day for any. Kagiso Rabada’s accuracy, Mulder’s clever variations, and Maharaj’s spin ensured that Afghanistan never built momentum, eventually being bowled out for 208.

ICC Champions Trophy Updated Points Table