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With two matches of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 done and dusted, the action has now shifted towards the third match, where Afghanistan will take on South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 21. While the Proteas Men are coming after losing the tri-nation series, including Pakistan and New Zealand, Afghanistan took on New Zealand in a practice match ahead of the marquee tournament.
As the action moves back to Karachi’s National Stadium, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first. While his decision was not synonymous to that of Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan, who won the toss opted to bowl first.
Why is Heinrich Klaasen not playing SA’s CT 2025 clash vs AFG?
After winning the toss, Temba Bavuma said, “We will have a bat first. Looks a bit different that what we have been experiencing here, not sure how will it react. Will try to post a competitive total on the board. I have a lot of confidence in our bowling attack, today we have gone for a lone spinner in Shamsi and the rest are seamers.”
He also confirmed that Heinrich Klaasen was unavailable for selection for the match against Afghanistan due to a soft tissue injury in his left elbow and was left out as a prcautionary measure. Moreover, South Africa have opted to go with a lone spinner in Keshav Maharaj.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Playing XI
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
