Debutants Afghanistan set for South Africa challenge: Match Preview

Both teams have enjoyed some good success in white-ball cricket in recent years, although neither side has been able to convert that into winning a major ICC tournament.

South Africa went close when they made it through to the semi-finals of the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023, while Afghanistan reached the same stage last year when qualifying for the final four at the ICC men's T20 World Cup for the first time.

Reaching the semis will be the minimum aim for both sides at this event and a win first up will be crucial if they are to achieve that goal.

Both teams have strong batting line-ups at their disposal, but there are also enough damaging bowlers set to feature that could make it difficult to score.

An enthralling encounter awaits.

Squads:

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

How to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Recent form:

Afghanistan: The Asian side have been in excellent form in white-ball cricket of late and have won their four most recent bilateral series against Ireland South Africa, Bangladesh, and Zimbabwe.

The fact that Afghanistan haven't played any ODI matches this calendar year may be of some concern, although the side will still be on a high after their good run at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 and ICC Men's T20 World Cup in 2024.

South Africa: The Proteas did get some good match recent match practice in the conditions they will encounter in Karachi when they took on hosts Pakistan and in-form New Zealand in a tri-series, but they had a host of big names missing those matches as they failed to win either of the two contests.

South Africa's form in 50-over cricket since they made the semi-finals at the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023 has been somewhat inconsistent and they will be hoping those recent matches in Pakistan will boost their chances at the Champions Trophy.

Players in focus:

Afghanistan: Azmatullah Omarzai

Fresh from winning the ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year for 2024, Azmatullah Omarzai has been a crucial pillar for Afghanistan’s recent success in the format.

At the last Cricket World Cup, the talented all-rounder finished with 353 runs to go with nine wickets to inspire a streak of big results.

In the absence of Naveen-ul-Haq, Omarzai will also have added responsibility in Afghanistan’s pace unit.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma

The South Africa captain has been in good touch of late and can boast a recent score of 82 in Karachi when the Proteas took on Parkisan in a tri-series encounter earlier this month.

If Bavuma can get South Africa off to a good start then there are enough big hitters in their middle-order to score a big total.

How to watch:

India: JioStar (Live streaming on Jio Hotstar, Television coverage on Star and Network 18 channels)

Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports, Streaming options: Myco and Tamasha app

UAE and MENA: CricLife Max and CricLife Max2, Streaming option: STARZPLAY

UK: Live broadcasting on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Digital coverage via SkyGO, NOW and Sky Sports App

USA and Canada: WillowTV, Streaming on Willow by Cricbuzz app (Hindi coverage available)

Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean on TV, Streaming via ESPN Play Caribbean app

Australia: PrimeVideo (coverage available in Hindi too)

New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ, digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app.

South Africa and sub-Saharan territories: SuperSport and SuperSport App

Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports for linear broadcast, digital via Toffee app

Afghanistan: ATN

Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1 on Linear), Digital via Sirasa

The games can also be viewed on ICC.tv (In select territories)