Rickelton’s Century Propels South Africa to a Dominant Total Against Afghanistan
KARACHI: Opening batter Ryan Rickelton’s explosive century powered South Africa to an imposing total against Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.
Opting to bat first, South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma saw his decision pay off as his side posted a formidable 315/6 in the allotted overs.
However, the Proteas faced an early setback when Mohammad Nabi struck in the sixth over, dismissing Tony de Zorzi (11) with just 28 runs on the board.
Bavuma then partnered with Rickelton to stabilize the innings, crafting a crucial 129-run stand for the second wicket. Their promising partnership was eventually broken by Nabi, who removed Bavuma for 58 off 76 balls, which included five boundaries.
Rickelton carried on and built a 44-run stand with Rassie van der Dussen, reaching his maiden ODI century before being run out by Rashid Khan. He emerged as South Africa’s top scorer with 103 off 106 deliveries, featuring seven fours and a six.
The Proteas faced another jolt when van der Dussen departed after a solid 52 off 46 balls, which included three fours and two sixes, falling to Noor Ahmad.
Aiden Markram provided the late flourish, ensuring South Africa crossed the 300-run mark with a fiery half-century. He remained unbeaten on 52 off 36 balls, smashing six boundaries and a six. Markram also forged a crucial 50-run partnership for the fifth wicket with David Miller, who contributed 14 off 18 deliveries.
Among Afghanistan’s bowlers, Mohammad Nabi was the most effective, claiming 2/51 in his 10-over spell. Azmatullah Omarzai, Noor Ahmad, and Fazalhaq Farooqi each picked up a wicket to complete Afghanistan’s bowling effort.
