ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Why is Heinrich Klaasen not playing Afghanistan vs South Africa match?

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will witness its third clash between Afghanistan and South Africa on Friday, February 21, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Both teams come into the tournament with contrasting preparations and expectations. Afghanistan, having faced tough opposition in their two warm-up games, suffered heavy defeats. These losses have raised concerns about their readiness for the tournament, but the team will be hoping for a fresh start as they take on the Proteas. On the other hand, South Africa enters the tournament with more positive momentum, having secured a hard-fought three-wicket victory over Pakistan in their only warm-up match.

This win has given the Proteas a confidence boost, and they will look to build on that momentum as they begin their Champions Trophy campaign. Afghanistan, determined to turn their fortunes around, will be looking to put up a strong fight against South Africa and turn the narrative in their favor. South Africa, on the other hand, will be aiming to maintain their winning form and lay a solid foundation for the tournament. With both teams eager to make their mark, this clash promises to be an exciting encounter as they begin their journey in the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Temba Bavuma won the toss and opted to bat first in the Champions Trophy 2025 clash between South Africa and Afghanistan. In the absence of Heinrich Klaasen, who is sidelined due to a left elbow soft tissue injury, South Africa has brought in Ryan Rickelton as the wicketkeeper. Klaasen’s absence is a significant blow, but Rickelton’s inclusion provides stability behind the stumps.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, has not made any major changes to their lineup and has fielded their strongest contenders for the match. They are looking to make an impact in the tournament and will rely on their key players to step up. Additionally, South Africa has also left out Tristan Stubbs from the playing XI for this game. While the reasons behind his exclusion have not been fully disclosed, his absence may have an impact on the team's batting depth.

Both teams are ready to give their best as they begin their campaigns in the tournament, with South Africa aiming to build on their warm-up win and Afghanistan hoping to bounce back from their tough preparation matches. The match promises to be an exciting contest as both sides look to kick-start their Champions Trophy journey with a victory.

South Africa playing XI

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

Afghanistan playing XI

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