Debutants Afghanistan will aim 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 among the world’s best cricketers, particularly within the limited-overs format.
The Proteas boast of a well-balanced squad with a formidable batting lineup.
While 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 present the ultimate flourish.
South Africa’s greatest problem heading into the event is their depleted bowling assault as key pacers Anrich Nortje, Nandre Burger, and Gerald Coetzee dominated out due to accidents.
Known for his tempo, aggression, and the knack of putting at essential moments, Kagiso Rabada would be the Proteas’ key weapon in each the powerplay and demise overs.
Marco Jansen, too, might be anticipated to step up considerably. His capability to construct stress and ship impactful spells might be essential.
Meanwhile, Lungi Ngidi might be trying to rediscover his rhythm and confidence after a below-par exhibiting within the current tri-series.
In the spin division, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi can have very important roles.
Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, South Africa have received solely 4 of the 14 ODIs they’ve performed. They enter the event on the again of a six-match shedding streak.
But one can not overlook the truth that they weren’t ready to discipline a full energy workforce in any of those video games due to a number of causes.
Clubbed alongside an off-colour England, injury-plagued Australia and Afghanistan, South Africa have a good likelihood of advancing to the knockout stage. But the Afghans might show to be the proverbial banana peel.
The war-torn nation has emerged as sturdy contenders to make the semifinals.
Their spectacular performances in current 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 have proved greater than as soon as that they’re now not underdogs however a drive to be reckoned with.
The Adghans have received 4 of their 5 bilateral sequence because the ODI World Cup, together with one in opposition to South Africa within the UAE.
Their greatest energy expectedly stays their spin assault comprising the redoubtable Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi and left-armers Noor Ahmad and Nangeyalia Kharote.
They will play all three group matches in Pakistan the place spin might be a decisive issue.
Pacer Azmatullah Omarzai has been a key determine in Afghanistan’s ODI success, along with his capability to swing the brand new ball offering them the powerplay edge.
Fazalhaq Farooqi might be another essential weapon with capability to present early breakthroughs and efficient variations on the demise.
In the batting division, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will as soon as once more be anticipated to present a strong begin.
Their weak point, nonetheless, lies of their center order, which has usually struggled to keep momentum. This inconsistency has been a priority, and addressing it will likely be essential for his or her success within the event.
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.
Published – February 21, 2025 06:33 am IST
