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The South Africa vs Afghanistan prediction for the 3rd ODI is highly anticipated as both teams aim to secure a crucial win in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa, with their strong batting lineup and experienced bowling attack, are slight favorites, but Afghanistan’s spin-heavy arsenal and fearless approach make them a dangerous opponent. Let’s dive into the details of this exciting clash.
Table of content
- 1 Match Details
- 2 Team Previews
- 3 Afghanistan Preview
- 4 South Africa Preview
- 5 Team Squads
- 6 Probable Playing XI
- 7 Fantasy Team XI – Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Afghanistan
- 8 Favourite Team in Today’s Match
- 9 South Africa ODI History
- 10 Afghanistan ODI History
- 11 Head-to-Head Stats
- 12 Pitch Report
- 13 Weather Report
- 14 Toss Prediction:
- 15 Match Prediction?
- 16 FAQ – SA vs AFG 3rd ODI
- 17 Share this:
- 18 Like this:
- 19 Related
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | AFG vs RSA, 3rd ODI, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 |
| Date | Friday, 21st February 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM |
| Venue | National Stadium, Karachi |
| Broadcast | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
Team Previews
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan has emerged as a dangerous team in white-ball cricket, capable of pulling off upsets against top-ranked teams. Their performance in recent ICC tournaments has earned them respect, and they will be looking to make a mark in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Currently ranked 8th in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, Afghanistan has a well-rounded squad, with a mix of experienced players and young talents. While they are not among the favorites, their spin attack and fearless batting lineup can make them a tough opponent.
Key Players to Watch
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Gurbaz is one of the most aggressive batters in Afghanistan’s lineup. If he gets going, he can provide fast starts and put pressure on the opposition from the beginning.
2. Rashid Khan
Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s biggest match-winner. His ability to take wickets in the middle overs and restrict the run flow makes him a key figure in Afghanistan’s campaign.
3. Fazalhaq Farooqi
Farooqi has been leading Afghanistan’s pace attack with impressive performances. His swing and accuracy with the new ball will be crucial, especially in powerplay overs.
Team Composition & Strategy
Batting Lineup
- Top Order: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah
- Middle Order: Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai
- All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Azmatullah Omarzai
Afghanistan’s top order is aggressive, but their middle order needs to step up in case of early wickets.
Bowling Attack
- Fast Bowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik
- Spinners: Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Nabi
- All-rounders: Azmatullah Omarzai
Afghanistan’s spin attack is world-class, and they will rely heavily on Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad to control the game in middle overs.
Challenges for Afghanistan
- Lack of experience in pressure situations.
- Over-reliance on spin attack.
- Middle-order stability in run-chases.
Afghanistan’s Strategy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Gurbaz & Zadran to provide quick starts.
- Shahidi & Nabi to anchor the innings.
- Rashid & Noor Ahmad to control the middle overs.
- Farooqi & Malik to strike early with the new ball.
Afghanistan is capable of upsetting big teams, but consistency will be the key to their success in the tournament.
South Africa Preview
South Africa comes into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a solid squad, aiming to finally break their title drought in ICC tournaments. Known for their history of strong performances but unfortunate exits, the Proteas will look to capitalize on their recent form and go deep into the tournament.
South Africa is currently ranked 5th in the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings, indicating they are still a force to be reckoned with. With a balanced squad of experienced players and rising stars, they have a strong chance of reaching the semi-finals.
Key Players to Watch
1. Aiden Markram
Markram has been in superb form in ODIs over the last two years, making him a crucial figure in the South African middle order. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed will be vital.
2. Kagiso Rabada
Rabada remains one of the best fast bowlers in the world. With his pace, accuracy, and ability to strike in both powerplays and death overs, he will be the leader of South Africa’s bowling attack.
3. Heinrich Klaasen
Klaasen has been in red-hot form in white-ball cricket, consistently finishing games for South Africa. His ability to counterattack and dominate spinners makes him a game-changer in the middle order.
Team Composition & Strategy
Batting Lineup
- Top Order: Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen
- Middle Order: Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen
- All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder
With a blend of stability and aggression, South Africa’s batting lineup is capable of posting high scores and chasing down big totals.
Bowling Attack
- Fast Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen
- Spinners: Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi
- All-rounders: Wiaan Mulder
The Proteas have a potent bowling attack, with Rabada leading the pace department and Maharaj handling spin duties.
Challenges for South Africa
- Handling pressure in knockout games – South Africa has a history of struggling in high-stakes matches.
- Finding balance between attack and stability in batting.
- Spin bowling effectiveness in subcontinent conditions.
South Africa’s Strategy for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
- Strong starts from Bavuma & Rickelton.
- Markram & Klaasen to build partnerships in the middle order.
- Rabada, Ngidi & Jansen to dominate with pace.
- Spin duo of Maharaj & Shamsi to control middle overs.
South Africa is a strong contender for the semi-finals, but they will need to overcome their past struggles in knockout matches to win their first ICC title.
Also Check: Mohammad Nabi Hints at U-Turn on ODI Retirement; Dreams of Playing with His Son
Team Squads
Afghanistan Squad
Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.
Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Rahmat Shah
- Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Rashid Khan
- Noor Ahmad
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Farid Malik
South Africa
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Aiden Markram
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Tabraiz Shamsi
Fantasy Team XI – Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Afghanistan
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Wicketkeeper |
| Temba Bavuma | Batsman |
| Aiden Markram | All-rounder |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Batsman |
| Rashid Khan | Bowler |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Bowler |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Batsman |
| Mohammad Nabi | All-rounder |
Explanation:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Temba Bavuma are solid opening picks.
- Aiden Markram and Mohammad Nabi provide all-round value.
- Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada are must-have bowlers for their wicket-taking ability.
- Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen add depth to the batting lineup.
2 Players to Avoid in Fantasy Team
- Gulbadin Naib – Inconsistent performances with both bat and ball.
- Tabraiz Shamsi – May struggle against Afghanistan’s strong players of spin.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
South Africa are the favorites due to their balanced squad and experience in high-pressure games. Their strong batting lineup and versatile bowling attack give them an edge over Afghanistan, especially in neutral conditions.
South Africa ODI History
South Africa have played 683 ODIs, winning 413 and losing 243. They are known for their aggressive brand of cricket and consistent performances in ICC tournaments.
Afghanistan ODI History
Afghanistan have played 175 ODIs, winning 85 and losing 84. They have emerged as a competitive side, especially in spin-friendly conditions.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches Played | South Africa Won | Afghanistan Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Afghanistan have a slight edge in head-to-head encounters, winning 3 out of 5 matches. However, South Africa’s recent form and squad depth make them favorites in this clash.
Pitch Report
The pitch at National Stadium, Karachi, is expected to be balanced, offering assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Spinners may come into play as the match progresses.
| National Stadium (Karachi) |
| City | Karachi | ||
| Country | Pakistan | ||
| Matches Played | 57 | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 27 (45.76%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 28 (47.46%) | ||
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 23 (38.98%) | ||
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 32 (54.24%) | ||
| Matches with No Result | 2 (3.51%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 181 | I V A Richards (West Indies) | 13/10/1987 v Sri Lanka |
| Best Bowling | 6/13 | B A W Mendis (Sri Lanka) | 06/07/2008 v India |
| Highest Team Innings | 374/4 (India) | 25/06/2008 v Hong Kong | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 115 (Bangladesh) | 04/07/2008 v Pakistan | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 355/4 (Pakistan) | 12/02/2025 v South Africa | |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 35.83 | ||
| Average Runs per Over | 5.36 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 247 | ||
Weather Report
Clear skies with no chance of rain. Temperatures will hover around 25-30°C, ensuring a full game without interruptions.
Also Check For More: Champions Trophy 2025 Match Prediction
Toss Prediction:
Winner: Afghanistan
Match Prediction?
Our Winner: South Africa Will Win
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Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – SA vs AFG 3rd ODI
Who will win South Africa vs Afghanistan?
South Africa are favorites with a 62% chance of winning.
What is the best fantasy team for SA vs AFG?
Focus on all-rounders like Aiden Markram and Rashid Khan, along with key batsmen like Temba Bavuma and Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Who are the key players to watch?
Rashid Khan (AFG) and Kagiso Rabada (SA) will be crucial.
What is the toss prediction?
Afghanistan are likely to win the toss.
What is the predicted score if South Africa bats first?
253+ runs.
What is the predicted score if Afghanistan bats first?
240+ runs.
Which players should be avoided in fantasy teams?
Gulbadin Naib and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Where to watch the match live?
Star Sports Network and JioHotstar.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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