Champions Trophy 2025: Afg to chase 316 after Markram, Dussen finish strongly

Champions Trophy 2025: Afg to chase 316 after Markram, Dussen finish strongly

South Africa established a target of 316 runs for Afghanistan after scoring 315 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs in Karachi.

Aiden Markram contributed significantly to the innings with an unbeaten 52 runs off 36 balls, while Wiaan Mulder added a quick 12 runs off 6 deliveries.

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai each claimed a wicket, although they were relatively expensive in their bowling. Afghanistan now faces a formidable challenge as they prepare to chase under the lights.

During the final 10 overs of the innings, South Africa lost 3 wickets, with Rahmat Shah executing a remarkable catch to dismiss David Miller. Earlier, South Africa had posted 285 runs for 4 wickets in 47 overs after opting to bat first against Afghanistan in Karachi.

Aiden Markram remained not out on 35 runs, playing a rapid innings towards the conclusion, alongside David Miller, who was also not out on 14, as they accelerated the scoring rate to over 6 runs per over.

Rassie van der Dussen made a vital contribution with 52 runs off 46 balls before being dismissed by Noor Ahmad. Afghanistan's bowlers have faced challenges, with Noor conceding 65 runs in 9 overs. With three overs remaining, South Africa is aiming for a robust finish. They reached 205 runs for 3 wickets in 36 overs, following Ryan Rickelton's impressive innings of 103 runs off 106 balls.

However, Afghanistan managed to secure a breakthrough when Rickelton was run out in the 35th over.

Rassie van der Dussen remains unbeaten on 22 runs, while Aiden Markram is yet to get off the mark.

Mohammad Nabi, with figures of 2 for 48, and Rashid Khan, who has bowled 0 for 32, have delivered important spells, as Afghanistan seeks to restrict South Africa's final total.

South Africa is making significant progress towards a formidable total, having reached 170 for 2 in 30 overs after choosing to bat first against Afghanistan in Karachi.

Ryan Rickelton remains not out on 89 runs from 87 balls, maintaining a scoring rate exceeding 5.5 runs per over. Temba Bavuma contributed 58 runs before being dismissed by Mohammad Nabi, who has claimed both wickets thus far.

Rassie van der Dussen is currently on 6 runs, aiming to increase the scoring pace in the final 20 overs.

Prior to Bavuma's dismissal, he and Rickelton had established a robust partnership exceeding 100 runs. South Africa is in a commanding position at 136 for 1 after 25 overs against Afghanistan in Karachi.

Ryan Rickelton is nearing a century with 75 runs off 76 deliveries, while captain Temba Bavuma remains steady at 50 runs from 63 balls.

Afghanistan's bowlers, including Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmad, have found it challenging to penetrate the batting lineup, as South Africa maintains a consistent run rate of 5.44.

With a solid foundation laid, the Proteas are poised to accelerate their scoring in the latter half of their innings. South Africa has commenced their innings steadily after opting to bat first against Afghanistan in Karachi.

At 74 for 1 in 14 overs, captain Temba Bavuma (19 not out) and Ryan Rickelton (40 not out) have kept the runs flowing, with Rickelton displaying a more aggressive approach.

Afghanistan's bowlers have struggled to secure an early wicket, with Azmatullah Omarzai being particularly expensive, allowing 27 runs in his four overs.

Rashid Khan has just entered the bowling attack and will aim to disrupt the burgeoning partnership as South Africa seeks to establish a strong total.

The South African pair has formed a 46-run partnership following the dismissal of Tony de Zorzi for 11 runs in the fifth over, bowled by Mohammad Nabi. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the Group B opener of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.