Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan eyes one other good present, South Africa intention to shed chokers tag

Debutants Afghanistan will intention to proceed their spectacular rise in white-ball cricket, whereas South Africa will as soon as once more try to shed the ‘chokers’ tag when the 2 sides kick off their Champions Trophy marketing campaign on Friday (February 21, 2025).

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The inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, which was known as the Knockout Trophy at the moment, stays the one ICC males’s senior title South Africa has secured regardless of having produced a few of the world’s biggest cricketers, particularly within the limited-overs format.

The Proteas boast of a well-balanced squad with a formidable batting lineup.

Whereas skipper Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram will anchor the highest order, the big-hitting trio of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs are well-equipped to supply the ultimate flourish.

South Africa’s greatest problem heading into the match is their depleted bowling assault as key pacers Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee dominated out as a consequence of accidents.

Identified for his tempo, aggression, and the knack of hanging at essential moments, Kagiso Rabada would be the Proteas’ key weapon in each the powerplay and loss of life overs.

Marco Jansen, too, will likely be anticipated to step up considerably. His capacity to construct stress and ship impactful spells will likely be essential.

In the meantime, Lungi Ngidi will likely be seeking to rediscover his rhythm and confidence after a below-par exhibiting within the latest tri-series.

Within the spin division, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi can have important roles.

Because the 2023 ODI World Cup, South Africa have received solely 4 of the 14 ODIs they’ve performed. They enter the match on the again of a six-match dropping streak.

However one can not overlook the truth that they weren’t in a position to area a full power staff in any of those video games as a consequence of a number of causes.

Clubbed alongside an off-colour England, injury-plagued Australia and Afghanistan, South Africa have a great probability of advancing to the knockout stage. However the Afghans may show to be the proverbial banana peel.

The war-torn nation has emerged as robust contenders to make the semifinals.

Their spectacular performances in latest ICC occasions embrace dominant wins over England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka within the 2023 ODI World Cup and reaching the semifinals of the T20 World Cup final 12 months.

They’ve proved greater than as soon as that they’re not underdogs however a power to be reckoned with.

The Adghans have received 4 of their 5 bilateral collection because the ODI World Cup, together with one in opposition to South Africa within the UAE.

Their greatest power expectedly stays their spin assault comprising the redoubtable Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and left-armers Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote.

They’ll play all three group matches in Pakistan the place spin will likely be a decisive issue.

Pacer Azmatullah Omarzai has been a key determine in Afghanistan’s ODI success, along with his capacity to swing the brand new ball offering them the powerplay edge.

Fazalhaq Farooqi will likely be one other essential weapon with capacity to supply early breakthroughs and efficient variations on the loss of life.

Within the batting division, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will as soon as once more be anticipated to supply a stable begin.

Their weak spot, nevertheless, lies of their center order, which has usually struggled to keep up momentum. This inconsistency has been a priority, and addressing it is going to be essential for his or her success within the match.

Squads

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.

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.

Match begins 2:30pm IST.