Champions Trophy: Ryan Rickelton’s century helps South Africa to big win over Afghanistan in group opener | Cricket News

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Opener Ryan Rickelton scored a maiden ODI century to help South Africa to a 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy group opener.

Rickelton made 103 from 106 balls and three other South Africans scored half-centuries as they posted 315-6 from their 50 overs, after winning the toss and electing to bat first in Karachi.

The hard surface had plenty of cracks and was perfectly suited to the four-pronged South Africa pace attack, who bowled out Afghanistan for 208 in 43.3 overs to set the early pace in Group B.

South Africa's Lungi Ngidi, second right, celebrates with teammates after taking the wicket of Afghanistan's Gulbadin Naib during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Afghanistan and South Africa, in Karachi, Pakistan Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
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Lungi Ngidi (second right) took two wickets for Australia

Victory ended South Africa’s six-match losing streak in ODIs and moves them into a strong position to progress from the group stage, while Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy debut ended in defeat despite a fighting 90 from Rahmat Shah.

More to follow…

What’s next?

England begin their tournament against Australia in Lahore on Saturday, with build-up from 8.30am on Sky Sports Cricket ahead of the match starting at 9am UK time.

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Joe Root shared what it’s like to face Australia and reveals why he thinks England have the ability to beat every team in the ICC Champions Trophy

South Africa are next in action on Tuesday when they face Australia in Rawalpindi, while Afghanistan take on England the following day, with both matches live on Sky Sports Cricket (9am start).

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – results and fixtures ๐Ÿ

Group A

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Watch all the action from the ICC Champions Trophy live on Sky Sports between now and March 9

Group B

  • February 21: South Africa beat Afghanistan by 107 runs in Karachi ๐ŸŸก
  • February 22: Australia vs England (Lahore)
  • February 25: Australia vs South Africa (Rawalpindi)
  • February 26: Afghanistan vs England (Lahore)
  • February 28: Afghanistan vs Australia (Lahore)
  • Mar 1: South Africa vs England (Karachi)

Semi-finals

  • March 4: Semi-final – A1 v B2 (Dubai)
  • March 5: Semi-final 2 – A2 v B1 (Lahore)

Final

  • March 9: Final (Lahore or Dubai)

The Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch will be live on Saturday February 22 on Sky Sports Box Office. Book now!


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