Proteas to kick off ICC Champions Trophy campaign against newcomers Afghanistan

The two teams face off on Friday, with the Proteas, the inaugural Champions Trophy winners in 1998, arriving at the tournament in poor form.

Since the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Proteas have won just four of their 14 ODIs and enter the competition on a six-game losing streak.

A string of injuries and unavailability has prevented them from fielding a full-strength squad in recent matches, but they still possess a formidable batting lineup.

Placed in a tough group alongside Afghanistan, an injury-hit Australia, and an out-of-form England, South Africa still have a strong chance of making the knockouts.

Afghanistan, once seen as an underdog, has firmly established itself as a serious contender in world cricket.

Last year, they reached the T20 World Cup semifinals and stunned England, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka in the ODI World Cup.

Their recent bilateral record is impressive, winning four of their last five series - including a notable triumph over South Africa in the UAE.

With Afghanistan's rapid rise and South Africa's quest for redemption, this opening clash will set the tone for both teams in the tournament. 

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