The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off with an exciting Group B match Afghanistan vs. South Africa on February 21 in Karachi. Both teams have announced their squads, bringing a mix of experienced players and fresh talent to the tournament.
Afghanistan’s Squad for Their Champions Trophy Debut
Afghanistan will make history as they participate in the Champions Trophy for the first time. Hashmatullah Shahidi will lead the team, which is coming off a strong performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup.
A major boost for Afghanistan is the return of opener Ibrahim Zadran, who has recovered from an ankle injury. He will join Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top of the batting order. The middle order is strengthened by Rahmat Shah and captain Shahidi, creating a solid top-four lineup.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack will be led by star spinner Rashid Khan, supported by veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi and pace spearhead Fazalhaq Farooqi. However, doctors advised off-spinner Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman to focus on T20s while recovering from injury.
Afghanistan’s Squad:
- Captain: Hashmatullah Shahidi
- Batters: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah
- Wicketkeeper: Ikram Alikhil
- All-rounders: Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi
- Bowlers: Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran
- Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami
South Africa’s Squad for Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa, one of the semifinalists in the 2023 ODI World Cup, is aiming for a strong campaign. They compete in Group B alongside Afghanistan, Australia, and England
The Proteas have received a major boost with the return of key pacers Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje, both of whom have recovered from injuries. Ngidi sustained a groin strain, while Nortje injured his big toe. However, Gerald Coetzee and Nandre Burger were not selected due to injuries.
Selectors included all-rounder Wiaan Mulder in the squad despite his recovery from a broken middle finger. The spin department will be led by Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, with Aiden Markram providing additional off-spin options.
South Africa’s Squad:
- Captain: Temba Bavuma
- Batters: Tony de Zorzi, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton
- All-rounders: Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram
- Bowlers: Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
Match Details and Group B Fixtures
- February 21: Afghanistan vs. South Africa (Karachi)
- February 25: South Africa vs. Australia (Rawalpindi)
- March 1: South Africa vs. England (Rawalpindi)
Conclusion
This match will be a crucial test for Afghanistan as they debut in the Champions Trophy against an experienced South African squad. With both teams featuring world-class talent, fans can expect a thrilling contest in Karachi. The battle between Afghanistan’s spinners and South Africa’s power hitters will be key to determining the outcome of this match.
