Champions Trophy 2025: South Africa wins toss, elects to bat against Afghanistan

KARACHI: South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first against Afghanistan in the third match of the Champions Trophy 2025, held at the National Bank Cricket Stadium on Friday.

This match marks Afghanistan’s debut in the tournament, and it comes after their last encounter with South Africa in the T20 World Cup semifinal last year, where the Proteas secured victory to advance to the final.

Both teams have fielded strong lineups, with Afghanistan featuring Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Noor Ahmad.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s playing XI includes Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

The 2025 Champions Trophy features eight teams competing across 15 matches over a span of 19 days, with games taking place in Pakistan and Dubai.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will feature eight teams battling across 15 matches over 19 days, with games being played in Pakistan and Dubai.

The tournament is divided into two groups, with Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand in Group A, while Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa compete in Group B. The tournament promises high-intensity cricket as teams strive for the prestigious title.