Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi speaks during a press conference ahead of his ICC Champions Trophy match against South Africa in Karachi. , Photo Credit: AP
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and selected to bat first against Afghanistan in his Champions Trophy match in Karachi on Friday (February 21, 2025).
During the toss, Bavuma said, “It seems a little different what we are experiencing here, it is not sure how it will react. Will try to post a competitor on the board.”
He said, “Our bowling has a lot of confidence, continuity has been our strength. Just a spinner,” he said.
South Africa entered its opening match of the ODI tournament with three frontline pacers and a spinner in Keshav Maharaj.
He left the batsman Henrik Klassen in a precautionary measure as he recovered from the elbow injury.
This is Afghanistan’s first presence in the Champions Trophy.
He named a frontline fast bowler in Fazal Farooqui with two seaming all-rounders and three spinners under the leadership of Rashid Khan.
Teams:
South Africa: Ryan Ryan Ricelton (W), Tony de Jorzi, Temba Bavuma (C), Rasi Van Der Dusen, Aden Markram, David Miller, Vian Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Cash.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (W), Ibrahim Zadran, Sedikullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Azammatullah Omrajai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazlahak Faruki, Noor Ahmed.
Published – 21 February, 2025 02:39 pm IST
