AFG vs SA Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Champions Trophy 2025 Fixture?

Poulomi Chakraborty

Afghanistan And South Africa Will Face Each Other In Champions Trophy (Source: @nickhunterr/x.com, @ArindamBiswas_0/x.com)Afghanistan And South Africa Will Face Each Other In Champions Trophy (Source: @nickhunterr/x.com, @ArindamBiswas_0/x.com)

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It is time for another unmissable action on the big stage of the Champions Trophy. In the third match of the marquee event, Afghanistan is all set to face South Africa on February 21. The iconic Karachi International Stadium will witness the classic encounter live from 2:30 PM (IST).

Afghanistan and South Africa are all set to face each other on the After stepping into the Champions Trophy, they defeated Zimbabwe in an ODI series by a 2-0 margin. But they faced two heartbreaking defeats in the warm-up matches. Conversely, South Africa played a tri-series against New Zealand and Pakistan where they faced two consecutive defeats. Before stepping onto the big stage that is a setback. But both sides are anticipating a thrilling tournament.

AFG vs SA Predicted Score Today

Predicted First Innings Score: 260-270 runs

‘Predicted Second Innings Score: 280-290 runs.

Who Will Win Today’s AFG vs SA Match?

Case 1: If Afghanistan Bat First

Considering the conditions, the toss-winning captain will choose to chase down the total. If they bat first after South Africa challenges them to do so, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi will be big forces in the Afghan top order.

While batting first, if Afghanistan loses a few early wickets, the middle will have a huge boost As Azmatullah Omarzai, Rahmat Shah and Gulbadin Naib can provide solid assistance to the middle order. With their stability and intent, they can push the total to a competitive 260-270 runs.

Case 2: If South Africa Bat First

Even after winning the toss, the captain will likely bowl first but South Africa can bat first if Afghanistan asks them to do so. Even after Temba Bavuma is struggling with his form, Tony de Zorzi and Heinrich Klaasen will be crucial for the team.

If they set the stage well, David Miller, Aiden Markram, and Marco Jansen can push the team to put on a huge total. Analyzing their batting depth, the team can put a total of 290-300 runs on the board to put pressure on the opponent.

AFG vs SA Head-to-Head Record In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played05
Afghanistan Won02
South Africa Won 03
Tied-
No Result-

National Stadium, Karachi Pitch Report

The pitch at National Stadium, Karachi is generally favorable for batting, providing good pace and bounce. New ball bowlers might struggle to find movement, which allows batters to score more freely. While spinners may experience some turn, the overall conditions are anticipated to remain steady throughout the match. The surface is not expected to alter significantly in the second innings, maintaining a balanced contest.

Players To Watch Out For In AFG vs SA

Afghanistan

  • Rahmanullah Gurbaz will be a huge asset in Afghanistan’s top order. In 2024, the wicketkeeper-batter played 11 matches, he scored 531 runs with 6 half-centuries and 8 centuries. His ability to play aggressive innings will be an asset for the side.
  • Gulbadin Naib’s all-round skill is a huge plus for the side. Known for his dominating ability, he played 7 matches and scored 107 runs with a wicket. As the big match is commencing soon, he can be a game-changer.
  • Rashid Khan is a world-class bowler who dominates the opponent bowler with his spin magic. In 2024, he had a remarkable year in the 50-over format. In 6 matches, he secured 15 wickets with an economy rate of 3.50.

South Africa

  • Heinrich Klaasen is another formidable force in South Africa’s batting order. In 3 matches in 2024, he scored 264 runs with an average of 88.00. Along with that, he dazzled with 3 half-centuries. He will be crucial for the South African batting order.
  • Marco Jansen is a massive strength in the South African all-round position. In 2024, he played 3 matches and secured 6 wickets with an economy rate of 6.11. He can be crucial for the squad.
  • Kagiso Rabada is an iconic bowler of the South African bowler. In 2 matches in 2024, he scored 5 wickets with an economy rate of 5.20. As the tournament begins, he can bring valuable differences with his bowling action.