Preview: The Afghanistan team might be playing their first-ever Champions Trophy but have enjoyed a great run in ODI cricket. Hasmatullah Shahidi-led side has won their last four ODI series going into the tournament which also includes a 2-1 victory against South Africa. This is enough to give them confidence going into the ICC event. The South African team on the other hand might still be considered favourites but their last few encounters in the format have been underwhelming so far. The side has faced a lot of injuries and ended the Tri-series on a terrible note not losing all their games. It is safe to say that the T20 World Cup 2024 finalists will be under pressure going into the tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, 3rd ODI Match, IND vs BAN
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Date & Time: Friday, February 21, 02:30 PM
Pitch Report: Speaking of the Stadium in Karachi the last game saw the batters struggle to get going straight away. The surface seemed to get tougher to play on as the game progressed where the pacers got some uneven bounce and the spinners managed to get some grip and turn. Looking at the previous game the captains might consider batting first and putting on a formidable total to defend in the second innings.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
Afghanistan (AFG)- Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Hasmatullah Shahidi ©, Amatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
South Africa (SA)- Temba Bavuma, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.
