South Africa began their Champions Trophy campaign on a perfect note, routing Afghanistan by 107 runs, at the Karachi Stadium. Ryan Rickelton turned out to be the star performer, cracking a splendid 106-ball 103. Rahmat Shah compiled an innings of 90, but he didn’t get the required support as Afghanistan were bundled out in the 43rd over for 208 in reply to South Africa’s 315/6.
South Africa, who opted to bat, lost Tony de Zorzi early. However, Temba Bavuma and Rickelton set the platform with a stand of 129 for the second wicket. When Bavuma was dismissed by Mohammad Nabi, South Africa were already in a strong position at 157/2 in the 29th over. Soon, Rickelton reached his maiden ODI ton with a single off Mohammad Nabi. The way he walked down the deck to smack the seamer Fazalhaq Farooqi for a six was the highlight of his innings.
Aiden Markram (52 not out off 36) and Rassie van der Dussen (52 off 46) also essayed useful knocks to power South Africa to an imposing total. Meanwhile, Nabi was the only Afghanistan bowler to bag more than a scalp, ending up with 2/51 from 10 overs. Rashid Khan, the mainstay of the attack, had a poor outing, finishing with none for 59 from 10 overs.
In pursuit of a massive score, Afghanistan never got going, losing their first four wickets for a mere 50 runs. There wasn’t a single stand of over 50 runs in their innings. Barring Rahmat, no one else crossed 20.
Kagiso Rabada, the spearhead, bagged three wickets, while Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi chipped in with two wickets each. South Africa will play their next game against Australia on February 25, while Afghanistan lock horns against the same opponent, three days later.
Brief scores: South Africa 315/6 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 103; Mohammad Nabi 2/51) beat Afghanistan 208 in 43.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 90; Kagiso Rabada 3/36) by 107 runs.