Ryan Rickelton’s brilliant century propels South Africa to a 107-run triumph against Afghanistan, marking a significant achievement in the team’s journey.
Introduction:
South Africa put an end to their losing streak in ODIs with a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025. The Proteas posted a formidable 315/6, riding on Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century and half-centuries from Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. Afghanistan, in response, faltered under the pressure of a record chase and were bundled out for 208 in 43.3 overs.
Ryan Rickelton’s Red-Hot Form Continues
Ryan Rickelton’s rich vein of form carried into the Champions Trophy as he smashed his first-ever ODI century. Having already impressed in the SA20 and Tests against Pakistan, the left-hander seamlessly transitioned into the 50-over format. His 98-ball 107 was a mix of calculated stroke play and aggressive intent, ensuring South Africa had a solid foundation. Rickelton, often compared to Quinton de Kock, looked every bit the successor to the Proteas’ legendary opener.
His innings wasn’t without drama. A painful blow on the wrist from Rashid Khan momentarily raised concerns, but he continued unfazed. His understanding of Rashid’s variations, having played alongside him in SA20, proved crucial as he tackled Afghanistan’s ace spinner effectively. See also: Shubman Gill’s Composed Century
Bavuma and Van der Dussen Strengthen Proteas’ Position
South African captain Temba Bavuma played a calm knock of 58 from 76 deliveries, building a vital 129-run stand with Rickelton. Although he began slowly, Bavuma gathered momentum as the game went on, keeping the scoreboard ticking. With an excellent record at home, Bavuma’s task was to repeat his success in foreign conditions, and his calm innings was a move in the right direction.
Rassie van der Dussen, struggling for form in recent months, returned to his best with a much-needed 52 off 46 balls. His aggressive approach, particularly against Rashid Khan, provided South Africa with late-innings momentum. His dismissal to Noor Ahmad was untimely, but his innings had already inflicted significant damage on Afghanistan.
Markram’s Late Flourish and South Africa’s Strong Finish
Aiden Markram provided the finishing touches with some brutal hitting in the final overs. Initially struggling to find timing, he exploded in the last 10 overs, taking Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi to the cleaners. His inside-out six against Farooqi in the 46th over set the tone for an aggressive end. Despite David Miller’s early departure, Markram’s blitz ensured South Africa reached an imposing total of 315/6.
Afghanistan’s Rocky Start to the Chase
Facing a daunting target of 316, Afghanistan’s chase never gained momentum. South Africa’s pace trio of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi were relentless, denying the Afghan batters any easy scoring opportunities. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, one of Afghanistan’s key batters, was rattled early by a rising delivery from Jansen, leading to his dismissal. Ibrahim Zadran followed soon after, failing to counter Rabada’s searing pace.
The Afghan top order crumbled under pressure, with Sediqullah Atal and Hashmatullah Shahidi departing in quick succession. Atal’s struggles were evident as he managed just 14 off 32 balls before a brilliant direct hit from Jansen ended his scratchy innings. Shahidi fell shortly after, mistiming a shot straight into Temba Bavuma’s hands.
Rahmat Shah’s Lone Resistance
While wickets fell around him, Rahmat Shah stood tall. He showcased his class with a gritty 90 off 100 balls, keeping Afghanistan’s hopes alive for as long as possible. His technique against pace and spin alike was commendable, and he showed maturity in rotating strike and punishing loose deliveries.
However, with little support from the other end, his efforts were in vain. The lower middle order, including Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi, failed to build partnerships, with South African bowlers continuing to strike at crucial junctures.
Rashid Khan’s Cameo Entertains the Crowd
A section of the Karachi crowd erupted as Rashid Khan walked in to bat, and he did not disappoint, albeit briefly. He smashed Ngidi over deep point for six on his very first ball and followed it up with a couple of swashbuckling strokes against Maharaj. However, his 13-ball stay ended in dramatic fashion as he mistimed a big shot to midwicket. While his innings was brief, it lit up the stadium momentarily.
South Africa’s Bowlers Seal the Win
Kagiso Rabada, who had already sent shivers down Afghanistan’s spine with his pace, ended with three crucial wickets. Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder picked up two wickets each, ensuring Afghanistan never came close to the required run rate. Marco Jansen, apart from his exceptional fielding, was also economical with the ball, applying relentless pressure in the powerplay.
Rahmat Shah’s dismissal in the 43rd over sealed the fate of Afghanistan, handing South Africa a massive 107-run win. The victory gives South Africa a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign and much-needed confidence after a string of ODI losses.
Player of the Match – Ryan Rickelton
Ryan Rickelton was named Player of the Match for his sublime century. Speaking after the game, he expressed his delight at contributing in his first ICC event:
“Bit of a different one, I was quite nervous coming in. My first ICC event. To contribute to the team and set us up for a win is something I take pleasure in. Disappointed to get out the way I did, but the guys that came in after me pulled the trigger.”
What’s Next?
Such a thumping win does not go down well to the last but South Africa will certainly be in great confidence in their next fixture. Afghanistan on the other hand needs to re-group and come up strong in batting if they hope to stay in the fray.