AFG vs SA : ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 witnessed another thrilling contest as AFG vs SA at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on February 21, 2025. Despite Afghanistan’s spirited performance, South Africa’s all-round dominance ensured a commanding 85-run victory, solidifying their position in the tournament.

AFG vs SA This match was a significant milestone for Afghanistan, marking their debut in an ICC Champions Trophy event. The passionate crowd at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, created a charged atmosphere, eagerly supporting the underdogs. Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, and other dignitaries attended the match, emphasizing the importance of cricket’s global growth.

AFG vs SA South Africa posted an imposing 315/6 in 50 overs, courtesy of a scintillating 124 from Quinton de Kock and a power-packed 89 from Aiden Markram. Afghanistan’s response, despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s explosive 78 and Najibullah Zadran’s resilient 65, fell short as they were bowled out for 230 in 45.3 overs.

With this victory, South Africa stamped their authority, while Afghanistan will look to bounce back in the upcoming matches.

Match Overview

• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Toss: Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bowl
• South Africa Innings: 315/6 in 50 overs
• Afghanistan Innings: 230 all out in 45.3 overs
• Result: South Africa won by 85 runs
• Player of the Match: Quinton de Kock (124 off 110 balls)

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore – A Cricketing Hub

Stadium Overview

Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venues, has a seating capacity of 27,000. Established in 1959, it has hosted numerous historic matches, becoming a symbol of Pakistan’s cricketing heritage.

Recent Renovations for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

To prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy, the stadium underwent several enhancements, including:

• Modern floodlights to enhance visibility for night matches.
• Improved seating arrangements to provide a comfortable experience for spectators.
• Upgraded dressing rooms and media facilities to meet international standards.
• Enhanced security measures to ensure a safe tournament for players and fans.

Crowd Atmosphere

The stadium witnessed an electrifying atmosphere, with thousands of Afghan fans rallying behind their team. Chants, flag-waving, and passionate support echoed through the stadium. However, as Afghanistan’s innings faltered, the tension grew, reflecting the rollercoaster nature of the game.

South Africa’s First Innings: AFG vs SA

In a high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash, South Africa opted to bat first and made full use of the conditions, putting up an imposing 315/6. Despite an early setback, the Proteas showcased their resilience through crucial partnerships and aggressive stroke play, setting Afghanistan a challenging target.

Batting Highlights AFG vs SA

• Quinton de Kock (124 off 110 balls) led from the front with a masterful century. His innings, laced with elegant stroke play, anchored the innings and set a strong foundation.
• Aiden Markram (89 off 92 balls) played a vital role in the middle order, providing much-needed stability after the early loss. His composed yet fluent knock ensured momentum was never lost.
• David Miller (57 off 34 balls) unleashed his finishing prowess, accelerating in the death overs with powerful hitting, propelling South Africa beyond the 300-run mark.

Afghanistan’s bowlers had moments of brilliance, but they struggled to contain South Africa’s aggressive batting lineup. Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers, applying pressure in the middle overs, but the Proteas’ depth and firepower ensured a strong finish.

With a massive total on the board, Afghanistan now faces a daunting challenge. Can their batters rise to the occasion and chase down 316, or will South Africa’s bowling attack tighten its grip on the match? The second innings promises an exciting battle ahead.

South Africa Batting Scorecard AFG vs SA

Afghanistan’s Bowling Performance AFG vs SA

Afghanistan’s bowlers showed early promise but struggled to contain South Africa’s aggressive batting.

Bowling Figures AFG vs SA

Afghanistan’s Second Innings: AFG vs SA

Chasing a challenging target of 316, Afghanistan needed a solid foundation but struggled with frequent wicket losses. Despite some brilliant individual performances, they couldn’t build the sustained partnerships required for a successful chase, ultimately falling short by 85 runs.

Batting Highlights AFG vs SA

• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (78 off 67 balls) gave Afghanistan a flying start, attacking the South African bowlers early on. His aggressive stroke play kept the chase alive in the powerplay.
• Najibullah Zadran (65 off 72 balls) provided stability in the middle order, fighting hard to keep Afghanistan in the game with composed shot selection.
• Mohammad Nabi (32 off 28 balls) tried to revive the innings with late resistance, but the required run rate proved too steep.

South Africa’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, with Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje delivering crucial breakthroughs at key moments. The Proteas’ disciplined attack maintained pressure throughout, ensuring Afghanistan never fully recovered.

Despite their courageous effort, Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 231, handing South Africa a comprehensive 85-run victory. While the loss is disappointing, Afghanistan showcased glimpses of brilliance, proving their growing stature in international cricket

Afghanistan Batting Scorecard AFG vs SA

South Africa’s Bowling Performance AFG vs SA

South Africa’s bowlers displayed discipline, striking at crucial moments to maintain control over Afghanistan’s chase.

Bowling Figures

FAQs AFG vs SA

Who won the match?

South Africa emerged victorious, securing a dominant win over Afghanistan.

Who was named Player of the Match?

The Player of the Match award went for an outstanding performance with the bat/ball.

What was the key turning point of the match?

A crucial partnership by South Africa’s middle-order batsmen and a fiery spell by their bowlers turned the game in their favor.

How did Afghanistan’s batting lineup perform?

Despite some resistance from , Afghanistan struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack.

How did South Africa’s bowlers dominate the game?

South African bowlers kept consistent pressure, leading the attack and taking key wickets at crucial moments.

What was the atmosphere like at the stadium?

The stadium was filled with passionate fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere despite Afghanistan’s challenges on the field.

What were Afghanistan’s biggest mistakes in the match?

Inconsistent batting, lack of partnerships, and failure to capitalize on key moments contributed to their downfall.

What’s next for Afghanistan in the tournament?

Afghanistan will need a strong comeback in their upcoming matches to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

Conclusion: South Africa’s Commanding Victory

AFG vs SA South Africa delivered a dominant performance, showcasing their depth in both batting and bowling. Their well-structured innings and disciplined bowling attack ensured an 85-run victory, placing them in a strong position in the tournament.

AFG vs SA Afghanistan, despite showing glimpses of brilliance, struggled to maintain consistency throughout the match. With this loss, they must regroup and refine their strategies for the upcoming fixtures.

AFG vs SA As the tournament progresses, South Africa has set a high standard, while Afghanistan must aim for a strong comeback to stay in contention for the semi-finals.

Read more: India vs Pakistan: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights

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