Jammu, Feb. 21 -- a sunlit, balmy afternoon at the National Stadium in Karachi where the sparse crowd swapped the usual green for shades of Afghanistan blue, South Africa eased to a 107-run victory in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener. The Proteas, winners of the first edition of the ICC Knockout the spiritual precursor to the Champions Trophy, marched ahead early and stayed there for the full length of this contest. Batting first, they racked up 315 riding on a pristine 103 from Ryan Rickelton and pulsating 52s from Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram, as well as a more measured half-century from Temba Bavuma. In reply, Afghanistan were hauled in well before the line despite a spirited knock from Rahmat Shah.

The foundations of the...