Hashmatullah Shahidi-led Afghanistan will lock horns against Temba Bavuma’s South Africa in their first match of the ongoing Champions Trophy at the newly-renovated National Stadium in Karachi on Friday. A savagely versatile batting consortium makes South Africa a frontrunner to raise the golden cup to the skies, even if their patchy recent form suggests otherwise. Afghanistan, the breakout team of the last two ICC World Cups – both ODI in 2023 and T20 in 2024 – will be looking to spring a few surprises in this tournament as well.
When and where is the AFG vs SA clash happening?
The AFG vs SA match will happen on Friday at 2.30 pm with the toss at 2 pm (IST). The match will be played at National Cricket Stadium, Karachi. The match will be broadcast on TV on Star Sports and Network 18 channels. You can also livestream the AFG vs SA match on JioHotstar.
Afghanistan vs South Africa 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. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka
Afghanistan vs South Africa predicted playing XIs
Afghanistan predicted XI: Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik
South Africa predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
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Pitch report from National Stadium in Karachi for AFG vs SA
The National Stadium in Karachi is generally known to be a batting-friendly pitch. The average first innings score at this venue is around 240, but it has been increasing in recent matches. Expect scores to be higher, potentially around 270-300 or more. Recently Pakistan has chased down 350 plus against New Zealand. The pitch is expected to be flat and hard, offering good pace and bounce. This makes it conducive to high scores, with the ball coming onto the bat nicely. Fast bowlers might get some movement with the new ball, especially under lights. However, as the match progresses, the pitch tends to become easier for batting. Spinners might find some turn as the ball gets older as we have seen during the tournament opener between Pakistan and New Zealand.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Weather report
The Afghanistan vs South Africa match in Karachi is expected to have pleasant weather. The forecast indicates clear skies with no significant chance of rain. The temperature is expected to be around 30 degrees Celsius during the day, gradually decreasing to around 20 degrees Celsius in the evening.