Match number three of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 sees Afghanistan national cricket team (AFG) take on South Africa national cricket team (SA) at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 21. Both teams are entering the tournament with strong squads and high expectations making this a thrilling contest to watch.

afg-vs-sa-champions-trophy-2025-match-3-predictionAfghanistan have shown impressive progress in recent years, with a mix of experience and young talent. Players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz have been instrumental in their recent success. Having performed well in the 2023 World Cup, Afghanistan will be looking to cause an upset or two in this tournament, especially in conditions that could suit their spin-heavy attack.

South Africa, on the other hand, are coming off strong performances in recent ICC tournaments, having reached the semi-finals of the 2023 World Cup and the final of the 2024 WT20. With world-class players like Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen in their ranks, they remain one of the favorites for this edition of the Champions Trophy. Despite their recent success, South Africa will be aiming to go all the way this time and end their ICC title drought.

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Match Details CT 2025 Match 3

Match: AFG vs SA match 1

Date: February 21, 2025

Time: 02:30 PM IST

Venue: National Bank Stadium in Karachi

Live streaming: JioStar

Live broadcast: Star Sports, Sports18

AFG vs SA Pitch Report – National Bank Stadium in Karachi

The pitch at Karachi’s National Bank Stadium is likely to support both seamers and spinners, but traditionally, it has been more favorable for batters. Early on, bowlers may get some assistance, but as the match progresses, the pitch is expected to become more batting-friendly. Teams may prefer to bowl first to assess the conditions and apply pressure on the opposition early.

Weather Report AFG vs SA

The weather forecast for February 21 in Karachi is sunny, with minimal chances of rain, ensuring a full game without any interruptions.

Afghanistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Total ODI Matches Played: 5

Afghanistan Won: 2

South Africa Won: 3

AFG vs SA Playing XI Prediction

Afghanistan Playing XI (Predicated)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), R Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad

South Africa Playing XI (Predicted)

RD Rickelton (wk), H Klaasen, T Bavuma (C), AK Markram, HE van der Dussen, T de Zorzi, KA Maharaj, DA Miller, M Jansen, K Rabada, C Bosch

AFG vs SA Score Prediction – What Can We Expect?.

AFG: 1st Innings – 250-260 | 2nd Innings – 240-250

SA: 1st Innings – 320-330 | 2nd Innings – 250-260

Key Players to Watch in AFG vs SA Match 3

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG): Coming off a ton in the practice game, Gurbaz will need to anchor Afghanistan’s innings and give them a strong start.

Rashid Khan (AFG): Rashid Khan is Afghanistan's star player and could play a pivotal role with both bat and ball. As the team looks to make an impact in their first Champions Trophy edition, Rashid's contributions will be crucial.

Kagiso Rabada (SA): Rabada remains South Africa’s most dependable pacer. His ability to take early wickets, particularly against Afghanistan’s top order, could be a game-changer.

Heinrich Klaasen (SA): Klaasen has been in red-hot form, averaging 88 with a strike rate of 123.36 in ODIs last year. He will be key to South Africa's middle-order success.

Marco Jansen (SA): As a reliable all-rounder, Jansen will be a player to watch, both with the bat and the ball. He picked up six wickets in three ODIs last year and will lead the pace attack.

AFG vs SA Match 3 Winner Prediction – Who Will Win?

Despite Afghanistan’s recent improvements and their ODI series win against South Africa last year, South Africa will enter this game as clear favorites. With a stronger squad and recent ICC tournament success, South Africa are better equipped to take home the win in this encounter.

Predicted Winner: South Africa