Explained: Why Heinrich Klaasen Is Not Playing SA Vs AFG Champions Trophy Match

Heinrich Klaasen won't play vs Afghanistan [Source: @kaustats/X]

In a significant development, South Africa have won the toss and opted to bat in their Champions Trophy opener against Afghanistan at National Stadium in Karachi. At toss, South African captain Temba Bavuma stated that the Proteas would bat first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions. 

Why Have South Africa Excluded Heinrich Klaasen vs Afghanistan?

However, South Africa have made a surprising and unexpected change to their first-choice playing XI, with Heinrich Klaasen missing out on selection. It's worth mentioning that Klaasen has been left out of the XI as a precautionary measure after experiencing discomfort in his left elbow. 

Klaasen has been a proven performer for South Africa in ODIs, amassing 2074 runs at an average of 44.1 and a strike rate of 117.4. Considering he is an exceptional player of spin bowling, the Afghans will miss him the most against Afghanistan's spin-heavy bowling unit. 

In Klaasen's absence, South Africa will depend on Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram and David Miller to spearhead their middle order. Meanwhile, promising batter Tristan Stubbs will also warm the bench, but his exclusion has been termed as a tactical ploy. 

South Africa's Playing 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

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