South Africa kicked off their Champions Trophy campaign with a convincing victory over Afghanistan. Here's how the result has affected the points table.
The first two matches of the tournament on February 19 and 20 saw the action kick off in Group A, as New Zealand earned a big win over Pakistan, and India held on to beat Bangladesh by four wickets after surviving a couple of nervy moments in their chase.
South Africa and Afghanistan got proceedings underway in Group B in Karachi on Friday (February 21). Proteas skipper temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first, and his side got off to a cautious start, scoring 46-1 in the Powerplay.
Match 3, Afghanistan vs South Africa
vs
- Ball by ball Over
But South Africa put their foot on the accelerator in the middle overs and, aided by some poor bowling, made their way past 100 and then 150 with ease as Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton both notched up half-centuries. Rickelton went on to anchor the innings with 103, and brisk half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52*) lifted South Africa to 315-6.
In reply, Afghanistan's chase never really got off the ground as both openers were dismissed inside the first ten overs. Sediqullah Atal was then run out by a superb direct hit from Marco Jansen. They slipped to 120-6 and 142-7 even as No.4 Rahmat Shah batted on, eventually becoming the last wicket to fall, for 90 as his side were bowled out for 208 to hand South Africa a 107-run victory.
Updated Champions Trophy 2025 standings after South Africa crush Afghanistan
Group A
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Tied | Points | NRR |
| New Zealand | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.200 |
| India | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +0.408 |
| Bangladesh | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -0.408 |
| Pakistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.200 |
Group B
| Team | Played | Won | Lost | N/R | Tied | Points | NRR |
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +2.140 |
| Australia | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| England | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -2.140 |
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