Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century powered South Africa to a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy opener. His brilliant knock, supported by solid contributions from Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram, helped South Africa post an imposing 315 for 6. In response, Afghanistan struggled to build momentum, falling short at 208 all out, with Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Wiaan Mulder sharing seven wickets.
South Africa’s Strong Batting Display
Batting first on a grassy Karachi pitch, South Africa capitalized on the conditions. Rickelton led the charge with a flawless 103, setting the tone for a dominant innings. Bavuma provided steady support with 58, while Markram and van der Dussen both contributed 52 to keep the momentum going.
Rickelton started confidently, stroking a crisp boundary off the third ball. He continued with a mix of aggressive stroke play and smart rotation of strike, never looking rushed. His partnership with Bavuma was crucial, adding 129 runs for the second wicket. Bavuma, initially slow, found his rhythm and reached his second fifty away from home before getting dismissed.
Rickelton’s experience against Rashid Khan, gained from their time together at MI Cape Town in SA20, was evident. He played the Afghan spinners with ease, neutralizing their threat. His century, the first by a South African on Champions Trophy debut, came with a push to long-off, marking a special milestone.
His innings ended in a bizarre run-out when a sharp return throw from Rashid Khan caught him off-guard. As he dived back, his bat bounced off the ground, leaving him just short of the crease. Despite the unfortunate dismissal, South Africa continued to pile on runs, scoring 51 in the last five overs to finish with a competitive total of 315.
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Afghanistan’s Struggle in the Chase
Chasing 316, Afghanistan needed a strong start, but South Africa’s pace attack proved too strong. Ngidi removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz early with a short-of-a-length delivery, and Ibrahim Zadran fell to a 148kph thunderbolt from Rabada, losing his middle stump.
Sediqullah Atal had a tough time at the crease, beaten ten times and misplaying 14 shots in his 32-ball stay before a run-out ended his struggle. Hashmatullah Shahidi followed soon after, caught brilliantly by Bavuma. By the 15th over, Afghanistan was reeling at 51 for 4, their chase in serious trouble.
Rahmat Shah Fights a Lone Battle
Amid the collapse, Rahmat Shah stood tall, crafting a well-compiled 90 off 92 balls. He played with confidence, reaching his fifty off 62 deliveries, but lacked support from the other end. Afghanistan’s middle order crumbled, failing to form any substantial partnerships.
The Karachi crowd, largely supporting Afghanistan, found brief moments of excitement when Rashid Khan smashed three fours and a six in a quick 18 off 13 balls. However, their hopes faded when Rahmat edged Rabada to Rickelton, ending Afghanistan’s resistance.
South Africa’s bowlers maintained pressure with tight lines and hard lengths, ensuring Afghanistan never got close. With this win, South Africa secured their first ODI victory in six matches, making a strong start to their Champions Trophy campaign.
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