Rickelton Shines as South Africa Defeats Afghanistan in Champions Trophy Opener

In a dominant performance, South Africa won by 107 runs against Afghanistan in their first ICC Champions Trophy Group B match in Karachi. Opener Ryan Rickelton was the driving force with his first One-Day International (ODI) century, scoring 103 from 106 balls. His innings, supported by efforts from Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram (52*), took South Africa to a strong total of 315 for six.

Afghanistan’s reply was led by Rahmat Shah, who fought hard to score 90 runs. But South African bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada (3-36) and Wiaan Mulder (2-36), sliced through the Afghan batting line-up, limiting them to 208 all out.

South African skipper Temba Bavuma complimented the team’s resilience, citing the difficult pitch conditions that provided unanticipated pace and bounce. He appreciated the choice to bat first and emphasized the clinical approach by both batsmen and bowlers.

This win places South Africa well in Group B as they gear up to play Australia in their next game. Afghanistan, who will be playing against England, will have to regroup and plan to keep their tournament hopes alive.