The 3rd match of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played between the inaugural champions, South Africa and first-time participants, Afghanistan. The Asian side qualified for the tournament after having finished sixth in the Cricket World Cup 2023. During that tournament, they beat three former World Cup winners – England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. South Africa, on the other hand, qualified for the semis in the World Cup which was won by Australia.
The Proteas are looking for their second ICC title at the senior level, having lost the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year. Since 1998, they have not won any global tournament. They are one of the hot favorites to win the Champions Trophy provided they do everything right till the end.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head record
South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs in the 2025 Champions Trophy in Karachi. South Africa batted first and scored 315/6, with Ryan Rickelton making a brilliant century. Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram also contributed with half-centuries. Afghanistan struggled to keep up with the target of 316 runs. Rahmat Shah fought hard, scoring 90 runs, but Afghanistan was all out for 208. Kagiso Rabada was the best bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets.
| Matches | Afghanistan Won | South Africa Won | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Afghanistan vs South Africa 2025 Champions Trophy Squad
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
