South Africa begins its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign today (February 21) against Afghanistan, who are making their tournament debut. The match will take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, Pakistan.
Head-to-Head Record
Afghanistan and South Africa have faced each other 5 times in ODIs, with South Africa winning 3 and Afghanistan winning 2.
| Matches Played | South Africa Wins | Afghanistan Wins |
| 5 | 3 | 2 |
Their last meeting in September 2024 saw South Africa win by 7 wickets, but Afghanistan had won the 3-match series 2-1.
AI Match Predictions
| AI Model | Prediction |
| ChatGPT | South Africa is favored (80% chance), but Afghanistan could win if spinners dominate. |
| Grok | Afghanistan will win a close match if Rashid Khan and the spinners perform well. |
| Google Gemini | A tight contest; Afghanistan has momentum, but South Africa’s experience gives them an edge. |
Playing XI of Team for AFG vs SA
SQUADS
Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.
Both South Africa and Afghanistan have fielded strong teams. It will be interesting to see if Afghanistan’s spinners rule the game or South Africa creates a record. All eyes on Karachi!
