Cricket betting tips: Afghanistan v South Africa predictions, preview and best bets for ICC Champions Trophy match

The Champions Trophy kicks off another action-packed day on Friday as Afghanistan and South Africa clash in Karachi in what promises to be an intriguing contest. Read on to find a detailed preview and the best bet reccomandation for this clash, and don’t forget to take advantage of the selected betting offers listed below to maximise your betting value.

Cricket betting tips: Afghanistan v South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Can South Africa Handle Afghanistan’s Spin Threat in Karachi?

• South Africa have lost their last five ODIs, while Afghanistan have won their last three.
• Heinrich Klaasen has a 32% win rate in the top-batsman market for South Africa.
• Afghanistan’s spinners took 29 wickets in their last three matches combined, highlighting their dominance on slow pitches.

Our Best Bet

With both teams eager to start their campaign on the front foot, the stakes are high. Afghanistan, buoyed by recent form, will look to spring an upset, while South Africa, despite their struggles, will be desperate to assert their dominance.

The Karachi pitch, having shown signs of assisting spin during the Pakistan-New Zealand series, is expected to play a crucial role in this match. Afghanistan’s spin-heavy attack could prove to be a handful for South Africa, who have had their share of difficulties against quality slow bowling. Meanwhile, the Proteas will look to their experienced pace attack to counter Afghanistan’s batting threat.

Both teams enter this encounter with contrasting fortunes. Afghanistan have been on an upward trajectory, having won their last three ODIs, including a series victory over South Africa last year. In contrast, the Proteas have been struggling, losing their last five matches, which raises questions about their readiness for this challenge. With match-winners on both sides, this encounter could set the tone for their campaigns in the tournament.

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Best Bet for the Day: South Africa To Win, South Africa Highest Opening Partnership & South Africa Most Sixes

Backing South Africa in this match makes sense for several reasons, despite Afghanistan’s recent success. While the Afghans have proven to be a dangerous side, particularly on turning tracks, the Proteas still possess the firepower to overcome their challenge.

One of the key advantages for South Africa lies in their opening partnership. With Ryan Rickleton or Tony de Zorzi set to partner Temba Bavuma at the top, the Proteas have a more stable and aggressive opening combination compared to Afghanistan. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s attacking style can be effective, but Ibrahim Zadran’s more measured approach means Afghanistan may struggle to outscore South Africa in the opening stand.

Additionally, when it comes to power-hitting, South Africa have a clear edge. The likes of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Aiden Markram are all capable of clearing the ropes with ease, and their aggressive intent should see them hit more sixes than Afghanistan, who rely more on placement and timing rather than brute force.

Despite their struggles against spin in the past, South Africa still have enough quality in their squad to adapt. The inclusion of both Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi ensures they are not entirely outgunned in the spin department, and their pace attack remains formidable with Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi leading the charge.

If South Africa can navigate Rashid Khan’s threat effectively, their superior batting depth and firepower should be enough to get them over the line. Given these factors, backing South Africa to win, along with them securing the highest opening partnership and most sixes, appears to be the strongest bet for today’s action.

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