ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Clash Between Afghanistan and South Africa
The action kicks off in Karachi as Afghanistan squares off against South Africa in what promises to be an exciting tussle during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Scheduled for February 21st at the National Stadium, the game ushers in excitement with the toss slated for 2:00 PM IST and the first ball bowled at 2:30 PM IST. For those watching from home, don't miss the live broadcast available on Star Sports and JioHotstar.
Squads and Predicted Line-Ups
Both teams bring a commendable lineup of players. Leading Afghanistan is skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi alongside prominent names like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and promising newcomer, Ibrahim Zadran. Their opponents, South Africa, will look towards experienced campaigners like Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, and David Miller, under Bavuma’s captaincy.
For Afghanistan, a likely playing XI would see Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz opening the innings, with the all-round prowess of Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi adding depth. South Africa, on the other hand, will potentially field power hitters David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen accompanied by the fast-paced Lungi Ngidi and spin from Tabraiz Shamsi.
Dream11 Fantasy Picks are crucial in maximizing your gameplay experience. Consider picking Heinrich Klaasen and Rahmanullah Gurbaz as key wicketkeepers. Batters David Miller and Ibrahim Zadran, alongside top all-rounder Marco Jansen, could make a substantial impact. From the bowler's end, trusted names like Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan are selections no fantasy team should miss.
As spectators anticipate a thrilling game, Karachi's pitch offers an exciting challenge, known for being a batting paradise. The surface favors the bat with an average first-innings score of 240, but with recent matches yielding even higher scores, both sides will eye substantial totals. Spinners could become pivotal as the game develops, giving an exciting twist to the predicted dynamics.
Weather on match day looks promising with clear skies and a daytime high of around 30°C, dropping to a cooler 20°C by evening, setting the stage for a seamless play experience.
In recent rivalry stats, South Africa maintains a slight edge over Afghanistan in ODIs, leading 3-2. However, the Afghans will be buoyed by their recent series victory over the Proteas in September 2023, adding an extra layer of intensity to this matchup.
Join the cricket fervor and see who outsmarts whom in this gripping contest in Karachi!