Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi speaks on February 20, 2025 during a press conference about his ICC Champions Trophy cricket match against South Africa in Karachi, Pakistan. Photo Credit: AP
Debutants Afghanistan will aim to continue their impressive growth in white ball cricket, while South Africa will once again try to shed the ‘Choker’ tag, when both sides on Friday (February 21, 2025) to their Champions Trophy campaign on Friday (February 21, 2025) Will stop
Also read Shami, Gill turned the star as India easily trumped Bangladesh
The inaugural Champions Trophy inaugurated in 1998, called the Nockout Trophy at that time, only the ICC men’s senior titles as South Africa, which is safe despite producing some of the world’s greatest cricketers, especially limited overs. In format of.
Proteus boasts a well -balanced squad with a malignant batting lineup.
While skipper Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorgy, Rasi Van Der Dusen, and Eden Markram will launch in top order, the big-touch trio of Heinrich Klassen, David Miller and Triston Stabs is well equipped for the final flourish.
His biggest challenge in the tournament is ending his end, as major pacers Enrique Nortze, Nandre Burger and Gerald Koetzi bowled out due to injuries.
Known for its speed, aggression, and striking habit in critical moments, Kagiso will be the major weapon of Proteus in both Rabada Powerplay and Death Over.
Marco Jansen will also be expected to take a lot of steps. Their ability to create pressure and give effective mantras will be important.
Meanwhile, lungi cash must have been looking back to find his rhythm and confidence again after showing down in the Tri-series.
In the spin department, Keshav Maharaj and Tabarize Shamsi will have important roles.
Since 2023 ODI World Cup, South Africa has won only four out of 14 ODIs which they have played. They enter the tournament behind the six -match line.
But no one can ignore the fact that they were not able to field a full power team in any of these reasons.
Australia and Afghanistan, with injury to an off-call England, have a good opportunity to move forward on a knockout stage in South Africa. But Afghans can prove to be cosmic banana peels.
The war -torn nation has emerged as a strong contender to create a semi -finals.
His impressive performances at recent ICC events include the 2023 ODI World Cup leading win on England, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and reaching the semi -finals of the T20 World Cup last year.
They have proved more than once that they are no longer underdog, but have to be considered again with a force.
Adghans have won four of their five bilateral series since the ODI World Cup, including one against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates.
His greatest strength is expected that his spin attack includes redabetable Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and left-Hathiyar Noor Ahmed and Nagayalia Kharot.
They will play all three groups match in Pakistan where spin will be a decisive factor.
Pacer Azmatullah Omarjai has been an important person in Afghanistan’s ODI success, with his ability to swing the new ball with his powerplay age.
Fazalhaq Farooqi will be another important weapon with initial success and ability to provide effective variations in death.
In the batting department, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be expected to offer a solid start once again.
Their weakness, however, lies in their middle order, which often struggles to maintain speed. This inconsistency has been a concern, and addressing it will be important for their success in the tournament.
Dastics
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Jorzi, Marco Jenson, Heinrich Kleseen, Keshav Maharaj, Eden Markram, David Miller, Vian Mulder, Lungi Cash, Kagiso Rabda, Ryan Reclon, Tabariz Shams, Triston Stubs, Triston Stubes, Triston Stubs, Triston Stubes, Triston Stubes.
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Ibrahim Zadran, Rehmanullah Gurbaz, Sedikullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alibhi, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omrajai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nuriyal Khadia Zadran.
The match starts at 2:30 pm.
Published – 21 February, 2025 06:33 AM IST
