The highly anticipated Afghanistan vs South Africa (Champions Trophy) match is set to take place on 21 February 2025 at the National Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan. This Match 3 of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is part of Group B, which also features Australia and England. Cricket fans can expect a thrilling contest as Afghanistan looks to continue its impressive ODI form, while South Africa aims to assert its dominance.
Match Details
📅 Date: Friday, February 21, 2025
⏰ Time: 2:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM PKT (local time)
🏟 Venue: National Stadium, Karachi, Pakistan
🏆 Tournament: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (Group B)
Pitch Report – National Stadium, Karachi
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for batting-friendly conditions but also offers some assistance to bowlers under lights. Here’s what to expect:
- Nature of Pitch: Flat and hard, allowing good pace and bounce. Ideal for batting, with high-scoring potential.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 240-250 historically, but recent matches have seen 270-300+ scores. Pakistan recently chased 353 against New Zealand here in February 2025.
- Bowling Conditions:
- Pacers: Some movement with the new ball, particularly under lights in the second innings.
- Spinners: Could get assistance in the latter stages as the ball wears. Afghanistan’s strong spin attack may have an edge.
- Toss Strategy: Teams might prefer to bat first and put a big total on the board, though chasing has been successful in recent matches.
Squads for Afghanistan vs South Africa (Champions Trophy)
Afghanistan Squad:
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Ikram Alikhil, Naveed Zadran, Nangeyalia Kharote.
South Africa Squad:
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
For Dream11, picking a balanced squad is crucial, especially considering the batting-friendly nature of the pitch. Here are key selections:
Top Picks for Dream11
Wicketkeepers:
- Heinrich Klaasen (SA): In fine form, averages 87.75 in ODIs since 2024, and scored 87 at this venue previously.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): Aggressive opener, capable of scoring quickly and securing bonus points with catches.
Batsmen:
- Rassie van der Dussen (SA): Reliable, scored 62 in a warm-up game, and was in great touch during SA20 2025.
- Ibrahim Zadran (AFG): Scored 82 in his only game at this venue, crucial for Afghanistan’s top order.
- Temba Bavuma (SA): South Africa’s captain and a consistent performer.
All-Rounders:
- Marco Jansen (SA) – (Captain Choice): A must-have for his dual contribution (6 wickets in 3 ODIs since 2024).
- Aiden Markram (SA): Provides stability and useful off-spin.
- Azmatullah Omarzai (AFG): Versatile with both bat and ball.
- Mohammad Nabi (AFG): Veteran all-rounder, effective with spin and finishing ability.
Bowlers:
- Rashid Khan (AFG) – (Vice-Captain Choice): Has 9 wickets in 4 ODIs vs South Africa, including a five-wicket haul.
- Kagiso Rabada (SA): Lethal pacer, can take early breakthroughs.
- Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG): Left-arm pacer, effective with the new ball.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices:
- Captain: Marco Jansen (SA) – Expected to shine with both bat and ball.
- Vice-Captain: Rashid Khan (AFG) – A match-winner with the ball and a handy lower-order hitter.
Sample Dream11 Team:
Wicketkeeper: Heinrich Klaasen
Batsmen: Rassie van der Dussen, Ibrahim Zadran, Temba Bavuma
All-Rounders: Marco Jansen (C), Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (VC), Kagiso Rabada, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
Fantasy Strategy:
- Focus on top-order batsmen as the pitch favors big scores.
- Pick all-rounders like Jansen & Nabi who can contribute in both innings.
- Rotate captaincy between Jansen & Rashid in grand leagues.
Match Time & Broadcast Details
🕑 Toss: 2:00 PM IST
🏏 Match Start: 2:30 PM IST
📺 TV Broadcast (India): Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 HD, Sports18, and regional channels.
📱 Online Streaming (India): JioHotstar (Subscription Required).
🌍 Global Coverage: Check ICC’s official website for country-specific broadcasters (Sky Sports in UK, SuperSport in SA).
🔴 Live Updates: Follow Sportstar, CricketTimes, or ICC’s website for real-time scores.
Weather Conditions – Will Rain Play a Role?
- Forecast: Clear skies, with no significant rain threats.
- Temperature: 30°C during the day, dropping to 20°C in the evening—perfect for a full match.
Team Form & Head-to-Head Stats
Afghanistan Form:
- Strong ODI record, winning 8 of their last 10 matches.
- Defeated South Africa 2-1 in an ODI series in September 2024.
South Africa Form:
- Struggled in a recent tri-series, losing to New Zealand & Pakistan.
- Bounced back with a warm-up win over Pakistan before the Champions Trophy.
Head-to-Head (ODIs):
🏏 South Africa leads 3-2 in 5 ODIs.
⚔️ Last Meeting: Afghanistan won a 2-1 series in September 2024, but South Africa defeated them in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Closing Remarks
With both teams eager to kickstart their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a win, the Afghanistan vs South Africa (Champions Trophy) match promises to be a high-scoring thriller. Can Afghanistan’s spin attack dominate? Or will South Africa’s powerful batting line-up prove too strong? Stay tuned for the action!