South Africa Sets 316-Run Target as Rickelton Smashes Maiden ODI Century

Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century and a blazing half-century by Aiden Markram powered South Africa to an imposing 315/6 against Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

Despite a shaky start, South Africa posted a strong total, with Rickelton leading the charge alongside captain Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Markram, all of whom registered crucial half-centuries.

Steady Recovery After Early Blow

The Proteas lost their first wicket early when Mohammad Nabi removed Tony de Zorzi (11) in the sixth over, reducing them to 28/1.

However, Rickelton and Bavuma steadied the innings, forging a 129-run partnership for the second wicket.

Nabi struck again to break the stand, dismissing Bavuma for 58 off 76 balls, including five boundaries.

Rickelton continued his fine form, building a 44-run stand with van der Dussen before being run out by Rashid Khan after scoring a well-crafted 103 off 106 balls, featuring seven fours and a six.

Markram’s Late Surge Lifts South Africa Past 300

Van der Dussen contributed a solid 52 off 46 balls, laced with three fours and two sixes, before Noor Ahmad sent him back.

Markram then accelerated the innings, smashing an unbeaten 52 off just 36 deliveries, with six boundaries and a six.

He also added 50 crucial runs with David Miller (14 off 18), ensuring South Africa crossed the 300-run mark.

Afghanistan’s Bowling Effort

Nabi was Afghanistan’s standout bowler, finishing with figures of 2/51 in 10 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi claimed a wicket each.

Captains Speak Before the Match

After winning the toss, Bavuma expressed confidence in setting a challenging total, while Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi said his side would have opted to bat had they won the toss.

Before the match, Bavuma acknowledged Afghanistan’s potent spin attack and stressed the need for his batters to capitalize on Karachi’s high-scoring pitches.

“Our challenge as a bowling unit is to be disciplined and precise,” he said. “From a batting perspective, scoreboard pressure is key. If we get in, we need to go big to post 330–350 runs.”

Shahidi, on the other hand, dismissed any pressure facing South Africa, citing Afghanistan’s recent 2-1 series victory over them in Sharjah.

“A lot has changed since 2019. We are confident and not under any pressure. Our focus is solely on this tournament,” said Shahidi.

Playing XIs

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad.

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.