SA vs AFG: Why Heinrich Klaasen Is Not Playing Today’s Champions Trophy Match?

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South Africa have won the toss and decided to bat first in their Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Afghanistan at the National Stadium in Karachi. Captain Temba Bavuma said they chose to bat first to take advantage of the conditions.

Why Is Heinrich Klaasen Not Playing Against Afghanistan?

In a surprising decision, South Africa have left Heinrich Klaasen out of their playing XI. He has been rested as a precaution after feeling discomfort in his left elbow.

Klaasen is an important player for South Africa in ODIs, scoring 2074 runs at an average of 44.1 and a strike rate of 117.4. He plays spin bowling well, and his absence will be a relief for Afghanistan, who rely heavily on their spinners.

With Klaasen missing, South Africa will depend on Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller in the middle order. Young batter Tristan Stubbs is also not playing, but his exclusion is part of South Africa’s strategy.

South Africa’s Playing XI vs Afghanistan

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

Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 21 February 2025

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