AFG vs SA: Group B action kicks off with an exciting contest as Afghanistan faces South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi. Both teams have impressed in recent ICC tournaments, with Afghanistan’s rapid rise and South Africa’s consistent performances making this a thrilling encounter.

Match Details

• Match: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Match 3
• Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
• Date & Time: Friday, 21st February, 14:30
• Series: ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Head-to-Head Record

South Africa holds a slight edge over Afghanistan in ODIs, but the gap has narrowed in recent years.

• Matches Played: 5
• South Africa Wins: 3
• Afghanistan Wins: 2
• Tied Matches: 0
• No Result Matches: 0
• Win Percentage: South Africa – 60%, Afghanistan – 40%

Last 5 Meetings

1. 22-Sep-2024: South Africa won by 7 wickets (with 102 balls remaining)
2. 20-Sep-2024: Afghanistan won by 177 runs
3. 18-Sep-2024: Afghanistan won by 6 wickets (with 144 balls remaining)
4. 10-Nov-2023: South Africa won by 5 wickets (with 15 balls remaining)
5. 15-Jun-2019: South Africa won by 9 wickets (with 116 balls remaining, D/L method)

National Stadium, Karachi – Pitch Report

The National Stadium in Karachi has long been a fortress for Pakistan cricket, known for its batting-friendly surface while offering something for the bowlers as well. The pitch generally plays true, allowing batters to play their shots freely, but as the match progresses, spinners come into play with significant assistance.

ODI Statistics at National Stadium, Karachi (Last 10 Matches):

• Average First Innings Score: 270
• Average Second Innings Score: 260
• Highest Total: 374/4 (Pakistan vs. Australia, March 2022)
• Highest Successful Run Chase: 349/4 (Pakistan vs. Australia, March 2022)
• Lowest Total Defended: 238/9 (Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka, October 2019)

1st Innings vs. 2nd Innings Comparison (Last 10 ODIs):

Pitch & Playing Conditions:

• Batting Conditions: The surface is excellent for stroke play, with minimal seam movement early on.
• Bowling Conditions: Fast bowlers get some early movement, but spinners dominate in the middle overs.
• Chasing Trends: With multiple successful chases over 300+, teams batting second have a strong chance if they build partnerships.
• Weather: Sunny with a temperature of 29°C, ensuring ideal playing conditions.

Tactical Considerations:

• Captains winning the toss may prefer to chase, given Karachi’s high-scoring trends.
• A first-innings score of 280+ is considered highly competitive.
• Spin-friendly middle overs make wrist-spinners and finger spinners key assets.

With its batting-friendly nature and spin-assisting conditions later in the game, the National Stadium, Karachi, promises an exciting contest for ODI cricket!

AFG vs SA Expected Lineups

Afghanistan:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hasmatullah Shahidi (c), Amatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi.

South Africa:

Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.

Probable Best Players – Afghanistan vs South Africa

Afghanistan

• Best Batter – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
  Rahmanullah Gurbaz is Afghanistan’s explosive opening batter and wicketkeeper. His ability to provide quick starts at the top makes him a key player, especially against South Africa’s pace attack. If he gets going, Afghanistan can put up a strong total or chase down targets with ease.

• Best Bowler – Rashid Khan
  Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner, Rashid Khan, will be their biggest threat with the ball. His variations and control make him a match-winner, especially on subcontinent pitches. If Rashid can get key wickets in the middle overs, Afghanistan will have a real chance of restricting South Africa.

South Africa

• Best Batter – Heinrich Klaasen
  Heinrich Klaasen has been in sensational form in white-ball cricket. His ability to take on spinners, combined with his power-hitting in the middle order, makes him South Africa’s most dangerous batter in this match. If he gets set, Afghanistan’s bowlers could be in trouble.

• Best Bowler – Kagiso Rabada
  Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa’s pace attack and will be crucial in both the powerplay and death overs. His express pace and ability to generate movement could trouble Afghanistan’s top order. If Rabada strikes early, South Africa will have a strong hold on the game.

AFG vs SA Prediction

Scenario 1: Afghanistan Batting First

• Projected Score: 260-280 runs
• Reasoning: The Karachi pitch is expected to be favorable for batters early on, allowing Afghanistan’s top order, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, to set a solid platform. The key for Afghanistan will be handling South Africa’s pace attack, especially in the powerplay. With Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan capable of finishing strong, a total in the 260+ range is realistic. However, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen could trouble Afghanistan with their pace and bounce, making the death overs challenging.

Scenario 2: South Africa Batting First

• Projected Score: 280-300 runs
• Reasoning: South Africa boasts a deep batting lineup, with Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram anchoring the innings, while Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller provide explosive finishes. If they get through Afghanistan’s spin attack unscathed, a big total is on the cards. However, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad could be game-changers in the middle overs, making it crucial for South Africa to accelerate early. The Afghan pacers, particularly Fazalhaq Farooqi, will need to strike early to prevent a massive total.

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