KABUL (Pajhwok): South Africa captain Temba Bavuma after winning the toss opted to bat in the Champions Trophy Group B match against debutants Afghanistan in Karachi on Friday.
South Africa entered their opening match of the ODI tournament with three frontline pacers and a spinner in Keshav Maharaj.
They left out batsman Heinrich Klaasen in a precautionary measure as he recovers from an elbow injury.
This is Afghanistan’s first appearance ever in the Champions Trophy.
They named one frontline fast bowler in Fazalhaq Farooqi with two seaming all-rounders and three spinners, led by Rashid Khan.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board wrote on its official website: “The Afghan champions are prepared to play their match against South Africa in the Champions Trophy this afternoon at the National Stadium in Karachi”.
Apart from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India are participating in the tournament.
Teams in the Group (A includes Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Group (B) consists of Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
Yesterday, New Zealand defeated Pakistan in the first match of the tournament.
After India refused to travel to Pakistan, the arch rivals will meet in Dubai and play there.
Yesterday, India defeated Bangladesh in the second match of the Champions Trophy.
It is worth noting that the Afghan team will play its second match against England on February 26.
Afghanistan team: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen
Umpires: Alex Wharf (England) and Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)
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