ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Rickelton's century and superb bowling display guide South Africa to dominant 107-run win against Afghanistan

New Delhi: South Africa's opening batsman Ryan Rickelton shined brightly as he scored his first century, setting the stage for a dominant performance by the bowlers. The Proteas sailed to a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening match of the Champions Trophy on Friday.

Ryan Rickleton hit a solid 103 off 106 balls, supported by captain Temba Bavuma (58 off 76 balls), Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46 balls), and Aiden Markram (52* off 36 balls), as South Africa posted a challenging 315 for 6 after choosing to bat.

Rickleton’s century was the fifth in the tournament within just three days and the third at the National Stadium.

Afghanistan, chasing 316, failed to replicate their recent series victory over South Africa, where they won 2-1 in Sharjah.

They were bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, with South African pacers Kagiso Rabada (3/36), Lungi Ngidi (2/56), Wiaan Mulder (2/36), and Marco Jansen (1/32) claiming eight wickets collectively. They kept Afghanistan under pressure throughout, limiting their progress in the first 15 overs.

Afghanistan was reduced to 50 for 4, and later 89 for 5 in the 23rd over, from which they couldn’t recover.

Rahmat Shah played a lone hand with 90 off 92 balls, while Rashid Khan (18) and Azmatullah Omarzai (18) were Afghanistan’s second-highest scorers, but their chances of a comeback faded with South Africa’s dominant performance.

Ngidi struck early by dismissing Rehmanullah Gurbaz for 10 in the fourth over, and Rabada soon followed by clean-bowling Ibrahim Zadran. To make matters worse, Afghanistan lost Sediqullah Atal (16) to a run-out, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (0) was dismissed by Mulder in the next over.

Rabada and Jansen then got rid of Azmatullah Omarzai (18) and Muhammad Nabi (8), pushing Afghanistan to 120 for 6, effectively sealing the match. Rahmat Shah continued to fight but was the last man out, caught behind off Rabada.

Despite missing Tristan Stubbs, who was dropped, and Heinrich Klaasen, who was sidelined with an elbow injury, South Africa’s strong bowling attack managed to neutralize Afghanistan’s spin trio on a flat pitch.

South Africa’s batting performance, while at times struggling for boundaries, remained efficient, and they ended up posting a sizable total.

After winning the first Champions Trophy in 1998 (in a knockout format), South Africa has yet to win an ICC title in a league-based tournament format. However, they came close last year, finishing as runners-up in the World T20 Cup to India and have already qualified for the ICC World Test Championship final in June in England.

Rickleton’s excellent century was the highlight of the innings, followed by contributions from Bavuma, Van Der Dussen, and Markram, setting a solid foundation.

Rickleton, with seven fours and a six, was unfortunately run out in the 36th over after a throw from Rashid Khan was collected by the wicketkeeper. Despite a valiant dive, Rickleton’s bat was off the ground when the bails were removed.

Rickleton displayed great skill, particularly against the spinners, including Rashid, Nabi, and chinaman Noor Ahmed, executing crisp cuts and pulls.

He shared a strong second-wicket partnership of 129 runs with Bavuma, who batted smoothly for his 58 off 76 balls. When Bavuma was dismissed, Rickleton found a solid partner in van der Dussen, who contributed a quick 52 off 46 balls.

Van der Dussen’s performance ensured South Africa didn’t miss Heinrich Klaasen, who was unavailable due to injury, and the dropped Stubbs.

Markram then hammered a rapid 52 off 36 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Despite the strong finish, South Africa could only manage 70 runs in the final 10 overs.

Markram’s 52 not out off 36 balls was the fastest by a South African in the tournament.