Aiden Markram’s Blazing Fifty Shines in Karachi – Fastest for South Africa in Champions Trophy!
South Africa made a strong start in the Champions Trophy 2025, securing a massive total against Afghanistan at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi. The highlight of the innings was Aiden Markram’s record-breaking half-century, the fastest for South Africa in Champions Trophy history.
- Aiden Markram smashed a 50 in just 33 balls.
- South Africa posted 315 runs after batting first.
- Ryan Rickelton scored his maiden ODI century.
- Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen also contributed with fifties.
- Mohammad Nabi was the pick of Afghanistan’s bowlers with 2/51.
Markram’s Explosive Knock Propels South Africa
On a hot and dry day in Karachi, South Africa’s batting lineup delivered a powerful performance. While most players contributed, it was Aiden Markram’s aggressive batting in the final overs that took South Africa beyond 300 runs. Coming in at No. 5, Markram played a fearless innings, smashing boundaries against Noor Ahmed and Fazalhaq Farooqi. His half-century in 33 balls is now the fastest by a South African in Champions Trophy history.
Fastest Fifties for South Africa in Champions Trophy
| Player | Balls | Opposition | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | 33 | Afghanistan | 2025 |
| Graeme Smith | 40 | Sri Lanka | 2009 |
| Ryan McLaren | 40 | India | 2013 |
Ryan Rickelton’s Maiden Century Puts South Africa on Top
South Africa lost Tony de Zorzi early in the innings, but Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma steadied the innings with a 129-run partnership. Bavuma reached his half-century before getting dismissed, but Rickelton continued to dominate. He went on to score his first-ever ODI century, ensuring South Africa stayed in control.
Middle-Order Contribution Secures Big Total
As the innings progressed, Rassie van der Dussen played an important knock, scoring a fifty to keep the scoreboard ticking. Wiaan Mulder also played a short but impactful innings alongside Markram, helping South Africa reach 315 runs.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Struggles
Afghanistan’s bowlers found it tough to control South Africa’s aggressive batting. Mohammad Nabi was the only bowler who managed to make an impact, finishing with figures of 2/51 in 10 overs.
South Africa’s dominant batting display set the tone for their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign. With Markram’s explosive innings, Rickelton’s century, and Bavuma’s solid fifty, the Proteas have made a bold statement. Afghanistan will now need a strong response to chase this massive total.