Karachi, February 21, 2025 – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin, and cricket fans are excited for the clash between Afghanistan and South Africa. This match will be played at the National Stadium in Karachi. It is a historic moment for Afghanistan, as they are playing in the tournament for the first time. South Africa, on the other hand, is aiming to start strong in their hunt for the title.
Match Details
- Date: February 21, 2025
- Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
- Time: 2:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT
- Live Streaming: Official ICC broadcast partners and streaming platforms
Team News & Playing XI Predictions
Afghanistan Team News
Afghanistan has worked hard to qualify for the Champions Trophy. Their team is full of talented players who have performed well in recent tournaments. Skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the side with a balanced squad of batters, all-rounders, and strong bowlers.
Key Players:
- Rashid Khan – The experienced spinner will play a major role with his bowling.
- Mohammad Nabi – A crucial all-rounder who brings balance to the team.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – A top-order batsman with the ability to score quick runs.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – A left-arm pacer who can trouble the opposition with early wickets.
Possible Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Najibullah Zadran
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Naveen-ul-Haq
South Africa Team News
South Africa is one of the strongest teams in the tournament. They have a mix of experienced and young players. Temba Bavuma will captain the team, leading a talented batting and bowling unit. The team is confident after good performances in recent ODI series.
Key Players:
- Kagiso Rabada – The star fast bowler will be a key player in this match.
- Aiden Markram – A consistent middle-order batsman who plays spin well.
- David Miller – A hard-hitting batsman who can change the game in the last overs.
- Keshav Maharaj – A skilled spinner who can control the middle overs.
Possible Playing XI:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje
Pitch & Weather Report
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for being a good batting pitch. Teams that bat first usually score around 280-300 runs. Spinners may find help in the second innings as the pitch slows down. The weather is expected to be clear, with temperatures between 20-30°C. No rain is predicted, ensuring a full match.
Match Importance
This match is important for both teams. Afghanistan wants to prove themselves on the big stage. South Africa wants to start the tournament with a win. A victory in this game will give confidence to the winning side for the rest of the tournament.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan and South Africa have played very few ODIs against each other. South Africa has won all previous matches, but Afghanistan’s recent performances show they can be competitive.
Final Thoughts
Cricket fans can expect an exciting contest. Afghanistan’s spin attack can challenge South Africa’s batting. South Africa’s fast bowlers will look to dominate Afghanistan’s top order. The result will depend on which team handles the pressure better. Stay tuned for live updates and match highlights!