Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs Miss Afghanistan vs South Africa Match 3: Reasons Explained

Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs South Africa, Match 3 Preview

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will move to its third clash between Afghanistan and South Africa at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 21. Both teams have had their conflicting set-ups leading up to their opening game of the tournament.  As of now, the two warm-up games played by Afghanistan have been tough leading them to suffer heavy defeats. In disparity to it, South Africa gained a valuable drive with a tough three-wicket victory over Pakistan in their only warm-up match.

With Afghanistan targeting a change of story and South Africa seeking a solid start, an exciting clash is on the cards as both teams begin their campaign in the Champions Trophy.

Toss Update: South Africa Opt to Bat First

Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first. South Africa has picked up Ryan Rickelton as wicket-keeper in the absence of Heinrich Klaasen On the other hand, Afghanistan have no major changes and goes ahead with the strongest contenders in the team.

Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs left Out; Ryan Rickelton and Rassie van der Dussen included

Speaking on the absence of both the players, Heinrich Klaasen has set out due to an injury, whereas, Tristan Stubbs has been left out from the playing XI. 

Captains’ take at the Toss

Temba Bavuma (South Africa Captain):

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. (Bavuma got in wrong at toss, it is actually Maharaj who is playing, not Shamsi)

Hashmatullah Shahidi (Afghanistan Captain):

If we had won the toss, we would have batted first but the toss is not in our hands and we have to play good cricket. (On what it will take to beat South Africa) We played some quality cricket against them in Sharjah and we have quality spinners. Hopefully, we do well and can beat them. I will be more happy if we start well and take some wickets in the powerplay and give some momentum to our bowlers in the middle overs.

Playing XIs for Afghanistan vs South Africa

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.

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us: