Heinrich Klaasen wasn’t included in South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign opener against Afghanistan today (February 21) in Karachi. Here's why the wicketkeeper-batter missed out.
At the toss, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma opted to bat first. However, Bavuma revealed an unexpected change to their first-choice XI. Klaasen, usually the first name on the playing sheet, wasn’t included in South Africa’s first match of the tournament.
Instead, Ryan Rickleton has been included in Klaasen’s spot and will be the designated wicketkeeper for the match.
Klaasen has been rested for South Africa’s curtain-raiser as a precaution due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Given Afghanistan’s spin-heavy bowling unit, Klaasen’s absence will be a huge miss for South Africa in the middle order. Experienced campaigners Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and David Miller are expected to spearhead the middle order.
Match 3, Afghanistan vs South Africa
vs
- Ball by ball Over
South Africa have opted for one frontline spinner with Keshav Maharaj getting the nod over Tabraiz Shamsi, while Afghanistan have gone with their strength, naming a spin-heavy attack, with Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Mohammad Nabi set to call the shots. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen also return to the South Africa line to share the fast bowling responsibilities with Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder.
"Looks a bit different from what we have been experiencing here, not sure how will it react. Will try to post a competitive total on the board. I have a lot of confidence in our bowling attack, today we have gone for a lone spinner and the rest are seamers," Bavuma said after winning the toss.
South Africa XI vs Afghanistan:
Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Toss 🪙:
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 21, 2025
🇿🇦 South Africa won the toss and have elected to BAT first 🏏.
Here's a look at our playing 11 for this first game.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy #AFGvSA pic.twitter.com/fCA35UxS6Q
Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.
