South Africa win toss, opt to bat first against Afghanistan

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat in the Champions Trophy Group B match against debutants Afghanistan in Karachi on Friday.

South Africa entered their opening match of the ODI tournament with three frontline pacers and a spinner in Keshav Maharaj.

They left out batsman Heinrich Klaasen in a precautionary measure as he recovers from an elbow injury.

This is Afghanistan's first appearance ever in the Champions Trophy.

They named one frontline fast bowler in Fazalhaq Farooqi with two seaming all-rounders and three spinners, led by Rashid Khan.

Australia and England, who clash in Lahore on Saturday, are the other two teams in Group B.

Arch-rivals India and Pakistan -- meeting in Dubai on Sunday -- are in Group A alongside New Zealand and Bangladesh.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.

Teams:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Umpires: Alex Wharf (England) and Rod Tucker (AUS)

TV umpire: Richard Kettleborough (ENG)

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Expert opinion:

According to cricket experts, the South African team took the right decision because the wicket will support spinners after evening due to moisture.

Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been nothing short of remarkable, and their recent success against South Africa in ODIs will give them plenty of confidence. Their spinners—Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Mohammad Nabi—could prove to be the difference-makers, especially if the pitch in Karachi offers any assistance.

On the other hand, South Africa’s experience and firepower in the middle order with Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Tristan Stubbs make them a formidable force. If Rabada and Jansen strike early, Afghanistan could find themselves in trouble.

It might come down to whether Afghanistan’s spinners can neutralize South Africa’s aggressive middle order. If the pitch favors spin, Afghanistan might have the edge, but if it plays true, South Africa’s batting depth could carry them through.