A Strong Start for South Africa
Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century in his seventh game was a testament to his recent form and consistency. Coming into the Champions Trophy on the back of a solid SA20 performance, where he ranked as the fourth-highest scorer, and a scintillating 259 in the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, Rickelton was poised to make a mark in the 50-over format. On Friday, in their opening match against Afghanistan, South Africa delivered a convincing 107-run victory, thanks largely to Rickelton’s pivotal innings.
Building the Foundation
Batting first on a Karachi pitch with a generous layer of grass, South Africa’s top order laid a solid foundation. Rickelton’s 103 was the cornerstone of their innings, supported by steady fifties from Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. The South African team scored 315 for 6, setting a challenging target for Afghanistan, who were making their Champions Trophy debut.
Rickelton’s innings was a masterclass in composure and technique. He never appeared rushed, even when Tony de Zorzi fell early or when Bavuma took his time to settle. Rickelton’s approach was methodical; he struck boundaries whenever he found an opportunity and rotated the strike when needed. His innings started with a stylish punch past mid-off and included a couple of fours off Fazalhaq Farooqi, one a fierce pull through midwicket and the other a cut past point.
Temba Bavuma’s Consistency
Bavuma, walking in at No. 3, took his time to find his rhythm. His first 19 balls yielded just seven runs, but he gradually found his groove, scoring a couple of fours to get into the flow. Rickelton continued to impress, picking Azmatullah Omarzai for two delightful fours to reach his fifty in just 48 balls. South Africa’s scoring was steady, reaching 83 for 1 after 15 overs.
The period between overs 11 and 20 was crucial as South Africa faced Afghanistan’s spinners. Rickelton, having played with Rashid Khan in the MI Cape Town during the SA20, was well-prepared. His familiarity with Rashid’s bowling paid off, as he and the team scored 58 runs without taking undue risks. Bavuma also reached his fifty, his second away from home, as the two put on a solid 129-run partnership for the second wicket. Rickelton’s move into his 90s was smooth, and he became the first South African to register a century on Champions Trophy debut.
Runs and Records
South Africa’s innings was not without its hiccups. A bizarre run-out saw Rickelton dismissed just short of the crease after a flat throw from Rashid bowled him over. However, the damage was already done. Van der Dussen and Markram followed with their own fifties, ensuring the last five overs yielded 51 runs, helping the team post an above-par total of 315 for 6.
Afghanistan’s Tough Chase
Afghanistan’s chase was fraught with challenges from the outset. Gurbaz, their wicketkeeper-batter, was dismissed early, caught by Keshav Maharaj off a short-of-a-length ball from Lungi Ngidi. Sediqullah Atal, promoted to No. 3, struggled to find his rhythm, and Ibrahim Zadran’s brief resistance ended when Rabada sent his middle stump flying with a 148.3kph delivery. South Africa’s pacers maintained a hard length, making life difficult for the Afghan batters.
Afghanistan’s struggles continued as they lost Hashmatullah Shahidi to a stunning catch by Bavuma at mid-on, leaving them reeling at 51 for 4 after 15 overs. Rahmat Shah, the only bright spot, scored a sprightly 90 off 92 balls, but the lack of support from his teammates meant Afghanistan were always behind. The crowd, which had come to cheer for Afghanistan, found little to celebrate beyond Rahmat’s innings and a brief flurry from Rashid Khan.
A Convincing Victory
In the end, Afghanistan’s highest score of 18 by any batter other than Rahmat highlighted the depth of their batting issues. They were bundled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, with Rabada picking up three wickets, and Wiaan Mulder and Ngidi taking two each. South Africa’s bowlers were relentless, ensuring the target of 316 remained out of reach. This win marks South Africa’s first ODI victory after six unsuccessful attempts, a fitting start to their Champions Trophy campaign.
