Title: AFG vs SA 3rd ODI Dream11 Prediction and Match Preview
Introduction: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with an exciting encounter between Afghanistan and South Africa in the tournament’s third match. Both teams are eager to start their campaigns on a positive note, promising a thrilling contest for cricket enthusiasts.
Match Details:
Fixture: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, Match 3
Date: February 21, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM IST
Venue: National Stadium, Karachi
Live Streaming: JioStar
Live Broadcast: Star Sports, Sports18
Match Preview:
Afghanistan, under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, has shown significant progress in international cricket, driven by a potent spin attack and aggressive batting lineup. Key players like Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz are pivotal to their strategy and success.
South Africa, captained by Temba Bavuma, aims to leverage their rich cricketing heritage and balanced team composition to make a strong start in the tournament. With experienced players such as Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Kagiso Rabada, the Proteas are well-equipped to challenge any opposition.
Historically, South Africa has had the upper hand in encounters against Afghanistan, winning 3 out of 5 ODIs. However, Afghanistan’s recent performances, including a historic series win against South Africa in September 2024, indicate their growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Temperature: Around 30°C
Weather Forecast: Sunny conditions are expected, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Pitch Behavior:
The National Stadium in Karachi is known for its batting-friendly surface. Recent matches have seen high-scoring affairs, with an average first innings score of 309 runs. Pace bowlers might find some assistance early on, but overall, batsmen are likely to dominate. Teams chasing have a good record here, with a winning percentage of 65%.
Where to Watch:
Live Streaming: Catch the action live on JioStar, with comprehensive coverage and expert insights.
TV Broadcast:
The match will be telecast live on Star Sports and Sports18, ensuring fans don’t miss a moment of this exciting ICC Champions Trophy clash.
Probable Playing XIs:
Afghanistan National Cricket team against South Africa:
1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2. Ibrahim Zadran
3. Rahmat Shah
4. Hashmatullah Shahidi (c)
5. Azmatullah Omarzai
6. Mohammad Nabi
7. Gulbadin Naib
8. Rashid Khan
9. Noor Ahmad
10. Fareed Ahmed
11. Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa National cricket team against Afghanistan:
1. Temba Bavuma (c)
2. Tony de Zorzi
3. Rassie van der Dussen
4. Aiden Markram
5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
6. David Miller
7. Marco Jansen
8. Wiaan Mulder
9. Keshav Maharaj
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Fantasy Cricket Tips:
AFG vs SA Dream11 Captaincy Picks:
Rashid Khan: A world-class leg-spinner and handy lower-order batsman, Rashid’s all-round abilities make him a top choice for captaincy.
Marco Jansen: The South African all-rounder offers contributions with both bat and ball, making him a valuable asset in fantasy teams.
AFG vs SA Dream11 Top Picks:
Heinrich Klaasen: A reliable middle-order batsman and wicketkeeper, Klaasen’s recent form adds stability to South Africa’s lineup.
Azmatullah Omarzai: An emerging talent for Afghanistan, Omarzai’s all-round capabilities can yield significant fantasy points.
AFG vs SA Dream11 Budget Picks:
Aiden Markram: A versatile batsman who can also contribute with the ball, Markram offers great value for his price.
Mohammad Nabi: The veteran all-rounder brings experience and consistency, making him a prudent budget selection.
AFG vs SA Dream11 Team Suggestions:
Team 1:
Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Heinrich Klaasen
Batsmen: Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Rahmat Shah, Ibrahim Zadran
All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai (vc), Mohammad Nabi, Marco Jansen
Bowlers: Rashid Khan (c)
Team 2:
Wicketkeepers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Heinrich Klaasen (vc)
Batsmen: Temba Bavuma, Ibrahim Zadran, Rassie van der Dussen
All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Marco Jansen (c)
Bowlers: Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada
AFG vs SA Dream11 Players to Avoid:
Wiaan Mulder: Despite his potential, Mulder’s recent performances have been underwhelming, making him a risky pick for your Dream11 team.
Noor Ahmad: Although talented, Noor Ahmad might struggle against South Africa’s strong batting lineup, and his selection could be a gamble.
Expert Advice for AFG vs SA Dream11:
For small leagues, Rashid Khan is a safe captaincy choice due to his wicket-taking ability and lower-order hitting. For grand leagues, Marco Jansen can be a game-changer, offering both quick runs and crucial breakthroughs. A well-balanced fantasy combination would be 1 wicketkeeper, 3 batsmen, 3 all-rounders, and 4 bowlers, considering the spin-friendly nature of the Karachi pitch.
AFG vs SA Match Prediction:
This encounter promises to be a gripping contest between Afghanistan’s fearless spin attack and South Africa’s powerful batting lineup. Afghanistan’s recent series win over the Proteas gives them a psychological edge, but South Africa’s experience in ICC tournaments and superior fast-bowling resources could tilt the balance in their favor.
The Karachi pitch is expected to favor batsmen, but with Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad in their ranks, Afghanistan could dominate the middle overs. South Africa, however, has match-winners like Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, who can turn the game around with a few key moments.
AFG vs SA Final Verdict:
Afghanistan’s Cricket team form and confidence are high, South Africa’s balance and depth might give them the upper hand in a high-pressure game. Expect a close battle, but the Proteas seem slightly better positioned to claim victory—unless Afghanistan’s spinners weave their magic once again!
Stay tuned for more updates on fantasy tips and match-day analysis as Afghanistan and South Africa lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling encounter!
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