In maiden CT match, Afghanistan to meet SA

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan are set to play their first match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy against South Africa on February 21 in Pakistan’s port city of Karachi.

The tournament, which features eight teams, officially began on Wednesday in Pakistan, with Afghanistan's opening match scheduled for tomorrow in Karachi.

The match will start at 1:30pm (Afghanistan time). Afghan captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, stressing the importance of winning the matches, said his side was fully prepared.

He added the team had been carefully balanced and well-prepared, with focus on all aspects of the game.

Placed in Group are Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand, while Group B includes Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.

In the tournament's opening match, New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 60 runs last night.

sa/mud