Ryan Rickelton’s century and strong performances from South Africa’s pacers led them to a 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy at Karachi on Friday.

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• Ryan Rickelton scored his first ODI century, making 103 off 106 balls, including 7 fours and a six.
• South Africa posted 315-6 in their 50 overs in the Group B encounter at Karachi’s National Stadium.
• Afghanistan was bowled out for 208 in 43.3 overs, falling short by 107 runs.
• South Africa’s pacers dominated, with Kagiso Rabada taking 3-36, Wiaan Mulder 2-36, and Lungi Ngidi 2-56.
• Afghanistan’s spinners, including Rashid Khan, struggled; Khan went wicketless for 59 runs from 10 overs.
• Rahmat Shah top-scored for Afghanistan with 90 from 92 balls, but he was dismissed as the final wicket.
• Afghanistan’s run chase faltered early, losing key wickets, including the openers and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi.
• A partnership of 89 runs between Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai helped Afghanistan recover briefly, but they couldn’t keep up the momentum.
• Rashid Khan briefly entertained with 18 runs off 13 balls, but it wasn’t enough.
• South Africa’s innings was also boosted by Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52), and Aiden Markram (52 not out).
• Markram’s 52 runs off 36 balls helped South Africa set a solid total, ensuring they exceeded 300 runs.
• Afghanistan’s defeat leaves them with a tough road ahead in the Champions Trophy.