The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with an intriguing Group B encounter between Afghanistan and South Africa on Friday at the National Stadium in Karachi. This match marks Afghanistan’s debut in the Champions Trophy, while South Africa aims to assert their dominance and secure a strong start in the tournament. Let’s look at the betting preview, statistics and a prediction for this game.
ALSO READ: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Outright Odds.
Betting Preview
Afghanistan come into this encounter with a blend of optimism and recent challenges. Despite suffering defeats in their warm-up matches against Pakistan and New Zealand, the team has showcased resilience in past tournaments, notably achieving victories over prominent teams like England and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Their spin-heavy bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan and supported by Mohammad Nabi and Noor Ahmad, is expected to exploit the spin-friendly conditions in Karachi. However, their batting lineup will need to step up, with key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hashmatullah Shahidi responsible for anchoring the innings.
1.42
Afghanistan vs South Africa
South Africa
Match Result
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South Africa, on the other hand, has faced a series of setbacks leading up to this tournament. The Proteas endured losses in a recent tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand and were swept 3-0 by Pakistan in a home series last December. Despite these challenges, South Africa boasts a formidable lineup with experienced campaigners. Captain Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen, and David Miller form their batting unit’s backbone. The bowling department, featuring Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, offers a balanced attack capable of adapting to subcontinental conditions.
The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi traditionally favours batsmen but tends to offer assistance to spinners as the game progresses. With both teams equipped with quality spinners, the middle overs could prove decisive in determining the match’s outcome.
7.75
Afghanistan vs South africa
Heinrich Klaasen
player of the match
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While South Africa holds a historical advantage, Afghanistan’s recent successes against them and familiarity with subcontinental conditions suggest a closely contested match with Afghanistan’s spin attack helping them cause another upset.
Statistics
Head-to-Head in ODIs:
Afghanistan and South Africa have faced each other five times in ODIs, with South Africa leading the tally 3-2. Notably, Afghanistan secured a 2-1 series victory over the Proteas in September 2024 in the UAE.
Recent Performances:
Afghanistan: Despite recent warm-up losses, they have a history of upsets in major tournaments, including wins against England and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
South Africa: The Proteas have struggled recently, with losses in a tri-series against Pakistan and New Zealand and a 0-3 defeat to Pakistan in a home series last December.
Betting Tips
Prediction: Afghanistan to win at 2.90.
Best Bet: Heinrich Klaasen to score over 29.5 runs at 1.85.
Value Bet: Noor Ahmad to be Afghanistan’s top bowler at 4.80.
