SA Sets 315/6 against Afghanistan : Champions Trophy: Rickelton's First ODI Century and Markram's Late Surge Lead South Africa to 315/6 Against Afghanistan

Karachi, February 21 (NationPress) Opening batsman Ryan Rickelton achieved his first ODI century, scoring 103, as captain Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram (52 not out) led South Africa to a total of 315/6 in 50 overs against Afghanistan during the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match at National Stadium.

South Africa's squad was without both Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs. Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed that Klaasen was excluded as a precaution due to a soft tissue injury in his left elbow, while Stubbs was not expected to be in the starting XI.

Choosing to bat first, South Africa started steadily but cautiously, with Afghan bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai generating considerable movement off the pitch. Tony de Zorzi struggled and was the first player out, falling to Mohammad Nabi for 11 after mistiming a drive that went straight to mid-on. Following this early loss, Bavuma joined Rickelton at the crease, and they managed the challenging conditions well.

Rickelton, having recently performed impressively in SA20 and the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, looked in excellent form. He rotated the strike effectively and capitalized on loose deliveries, reaching his half-century in 48 balls. Bavuma, initially cautious, gained confidence and ensured South Africa maintained a stable run rate. Together, they formed a vital 129-run partnership, frustrating the Afghan bowlers.

The introduction of spin provided some relief for Afghanistan, with Mohammad Nabi striking at a crucial moment. Bavuma attempted to accelerate the scoring but mistimed a shot to deep midwicket, departing for 58 off 76 balls. Despite this breakthrough, Rickelton remained composed, crafting a commanding innings. His century, his first in ODIs, was achieved in impressive style, making him the first South African to score a century on his Champions Trophy debut, joining an elite group alongside Gary Kirsten, who had scored 188* against the UAE in the 1996 World Cup.

However, Rickelton's innings concluded dramatically when Rashid Khan, fielding off his own bowling, executed a direct hit at the stumps. Rickelton's bat landed just short of the crease, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz efficiently dislodged the bails. He walked off after a brilliant 103 off 106 balls, featuring seven boundaries and a six.

Post his dismissal, Afghanistan tried to halt South Africa's scoring momentum. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi bowled well, while Noor Ahmad struggled for consistency, often bowling either too short or too full. The middle overs saw a brief slowdown, with South Africa managing just 30 runs between overs 32 and 39.

At a crucial juncture, Rassie van der Dussen injected needed momentum. Coming into the tournament off a lean patch, having scored just 104 runs in his last six innings, he seized the opportunity in Klaasen's absence. Initially cautious, he soon found his rhythm, launching a counterattack against Afghanistan's leading spinner. Rashid Khan was particularly targeted, conceding boundaries through a powerful cut past point and successive slogs over midwicket. Just as van der Dussen looked set to score more, Noor Ahmad dismissed him for 52 off 46 balls, but he had already done enough to keep South Africa on course.

Aiden Markram, who had struggled to find his timing for most of his innings, turned up the heat during the final overs, ensuring South Africa finished strongly. The pivotal moment came in the 46th over when he executed a shot against Farooqi, followed by a four and a six off Noor Ahmad. He then unleashed a barrage against Farooqi in the 48th over, hitting three consecutive sixes.

Although David Miller was caught spectacularly by Rahmat Shah at deep midwicket, Markram ensured South Africa maintained their momentum. Marco Jansen was bowled by Omarzai in the closing moments, but by then, the Proteas had set a formidable target. Markram's unbeaten 52 off 43 balls was crucial in the last stages, as South Africa added vital runs in the final five overs.

Afghanistan’s bowlers had moments of success but struggled to contain runs during the death overs. Mohammad Nabi was the standout bowler with 2-51, while Farooqi, Omarzai, and Noor Ahmad each took a wicket. Rashid Khan, despite not taking a wicket, was economical.

Brief scores: South Africa 315/6 in 50 overs (Ryan Rickelton 103, Temba Bavuma 58; Mohammad Nabi 2-51, Fazalhaq Farooqi 1-59) against Afghanistan.