Set to be played on Friday at Karachi’s National Stadium, both teams will be eager to kick off their tournament with a victory. Afghanistan will look to their potent spin attack, while South Africa will rely on their world-class pace bowlers. Afghanistan, having defeated the Proteas in an ODI series in the UAE last year, will be confident heading into this encounter.
AFG vs SA: Match Details
Match: Afghanistan (AFG) vs South Africa (SA), Match 3, ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Match Date: February 21, 2025 (Friday)
Time: 2:30 PM IST / 09:00 AM GMT / 01:00 PM LOCAL
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
AFG vs SA: Head-to-Head: AFG (2) – SA (3)
There have been five ODI encounters between Afghanistan and South Africa. South Africa leads the head-to-head with three victories, while Afghanistan has won two matches.
AFG vs SA: Weather Report
The weather forecast for Friday’s match in Karachi shows overcast conditions with a 10% chance of rain during the scheduled game time. The maximum temperature will be around 28°C, with 27% humidity.
AFG vs SA: Pitch Report
The pitch in Karachi, as seen in the match between Pakistan and New Zealand, offers plenty of runs for the batting side. While spinners may find some grip, pacers could get early swing. Batters who settle in can build big innings. It is expected to be a good batting wicket, though spinners will also have their moments.
AFG vs SA: Predicted XIs:
Afghanistan: Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 1 AFG vs SA Dream11:
Wicket-keepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Rahmat Shah
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Aiden Markram
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada
Captain First-Choice: Azmatullah Omarzai || Captain Second-Choice: Heinrich Klaasen
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Aiden Markram || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Rahmat Shah
Suggested Dream11 Fantasy Team No. 2 AFG vs SA Dream11:
Wicket-keepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ryan Rickelton
Batters: Rassie van der Dussen, Hashmatullah Shahidi
All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Aiden Markram
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada
Captain First-Choice: Marco Jansen || Captain Second-Choice: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Rashid Khan || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Ryan Rickelton
AFG vs SA: Dream11 Prediction – Who Will Win?
This promises to be an exciting contest. South Africa comes with a strong and balanced playing XI, making them the favorites to win this clash.