Opener Ryan Rickelton’s maiden one-day international century has earned South Africa a 107-run victory over Champions Trophy debutant Afghanistan in Karachi

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi dismissed political calls to boycott Afghanistan’s cricket games in the Champions Trophy after politicians in England and South Africa urged their cricket authorities to forfeit the group games against Afghanistan because of the Taliban’s ban on women’s sport and erosion of women’s rights.

Ryan Rickelton's brilliant century, combined with a collective bowling effort, propelled South Africa to a commanding 107-run victory over Afghanistan in the third match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 at the National Bank Stadium on Friday.

In their Champions Trophy opener, South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, defeated Afghanistan by scoring 315 runs. Afghanistan faltered early, losing key wickets, with Rahmat Shah's 90 runs being insufficient to mount a successful chase against the Proteas.