Opener Ryan Rickelton scored his maiden ODI hundred (103) as half-centuries from skipper Temba Bavuma(58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markaram (52 not out) propelled South Africa to 315/6 in 50 overs against Afghanistan in the ICC Champions Trophy Group B clash at National Stadium. South Africa’s lineup for the match was missing both Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs. Cricket South Africa (CSA) later confirmed that Klaasen had been sidelined as a precaution due to a soft tissue injury in his left elbow.
Meanwhile, Stubbs was unlikely to have been in contention for the first-choice XI regardless. Advertisement Opting to bat first, South Africa had a steady yet cautious start, with Afghan pacers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Azmatullah Omarzai extracting significant movement off the surface. Tony de Zorzi struggled to get going and was the first to depart, falling to Mohammad Nabi for 11 after an attempted drive resulted in a mistimed shot straight to mid-on.
With South Africa losing their first wicket early, Bavuma joined Rickelton at the crease, and together they navigated the testing conditions. Advertisement Rickelton, fresh from impressive performances in SA20 and the New Year’s Test against Pakistan, looked in sublime touch. He rotated the strike well and capitalised on loose deliveries, bringing up his half-century in 48 balls.
Bavuma, initially circumspect, grew into his innings, ensuring South Africa’s run rate remained stable. The duo stitched a crucial 129-r.
