Champions Trophy AFG vs SA: Pitch report and key stats of National Stadium
Afghanistan's rise in international cricket has been fueled by a world-class spin attack, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad set to make their mark in Karachi.
 "Champions Trophy AFG vs SA: Pitch report and key stats of National Stadium")
Afghanistan will take on South Africa in the third match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played at Karachi's National Stadium on February 21. This match is a significant milestone for Afghanistan, as they make their debut in this prestigious tournament. Having built a reputation as a competitive force in limited-overs cricket, Afghanistan is determined to prove their worth on the grand stage. Check Afghanistan vs South Africa live score, match updates and full scorecard here | Champions Trophy 2025 Check Afghanistan vs New South Africa full scorecard here | ICC Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa, winners of the inaugural Champions Trophy in 1998, come into this match with a strong legacy. However, their recent ODI form has been concerning, as they have suffered six consecutive losses before the tournament. The Proteas will be keen to break their losing streak and kickstart their campaign with a victory.
Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket has been fueled by a world-class spin attack, with Rashid Khan, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad set to make their mark in Karachi. Meanwhile, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will play pivotal roles with the bat. Afghanistan's spin-heavy approach will present a challenge to South Africa's pace-based attack, creating an intriguing clash of styles. With Karachi’s conditions potentially adding an extra layer of complexity, this match promises to be a high-stakes and thrilling encounter.
National stadium, Karachi: Pitch report for AFG vs SA Champions Trophy clash
Based on the opening match, the pitch at National Bank Stadium in Karachi is anticipated to favor batting. It will provide good pace and bounce, allowing batters to score freely.
While seamers may experience some movement early with the new ball, the pitch is expected to offer less assistance as the game advances. However, spinners are likely to find some turn as the match progresses.
Given these conditions, teams winning the toss may opt to bat first, influenced by the result of the opening match.
National stadium, Karachi: Key stats
The dataset outlines notable statistics from past matches in this tournament's history. With a total of 79 matches played, teams have won 37 times while batting first and 39 times while chasing. The highest total scored was 374/4 by India, while the lowest total was 115 by Bangladesh. Pakistan's historic chase of 355/4 in 2025 stands out, as does their lowest successful defense of 146 against New Zealand. Mohammad Yousuf holds the record for most runs (817) and most 50s (6). Wasim Akram has the most wickets (23), and Ajantha Mendis recorded the best bowling figure (6/13).
| National Stadium Karachi ODI stats | |
| Statistic | Detail |
| Total Matches | 79 |
| Matches Won Batting 1st | 37 |
| Matches Won Chasing | 39 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 240 |
| Highest Total | 374/4 (50 ovs) by India vs Hong Kong in 2008 |
| Lowest Total | 115 (38.2 ovs) by Bangladesh vs Pakistan in 2008 |
| Highest Successful Chase | 355/4 (49 ovs) by Pakistan vs South Africa in 2025 |
| Lowest Total Defended | 146 (43.3 ovs) by Pakistan vs New Zealand in 1994 |
| Most Runs | Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 817 |
| Highest Individual Score | Viv Richards (West Indies) - 181 |
| Most Sixes | MS Dhoni (India), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 12 |
| Most 50s | Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan), Younis Khan (Pakistan) - 6 |
| Most 100s | Suresh Raina (India), Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka), Babar Azam (Pakistan), Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Salman Butt (Pakistan), Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan) - 2 |
| Most Wickets | Wasim Akram (Pakistan) - 23 |
| Best Bowling Innings | Ajantha Mendis (6/13) |
Highest team totals in National stadium, Karachi (ODIs)
| Highest ODI totals at National Stadium, Karachi | ||||||||
| Team | Score | Overs | RR | Inns | Opposition | Ground | Result | Match Date |
| India | 374/4 | 50 | 7.48 | 1 | India | Karachi | won | 25/06/08 |
| West Indies | 360/4 | 50 | 7.2 | 1 | West Indies | Karachi | won | 13/10/87 |
| Pakistan | 355/4 | 49 | 7.24 | 2 | Pakistan | Karachi | won | 12/02/25 |
| Pakistan | 353/6 | 50 | 7.06 | 1 | Pakistan | Karachi | won | 15/12/05 |
| South Africa | 352/5 | 50 | 7.04 | 1 | South Africa | Karachi | lost | 12/02/25 |
| India | 349/7 | 50 | 6.98 | 1 | India | Karachi | won | 13/03/04 |
| Pakistan | 347/5 | 50 | 6.94 | 1 | Pakistan | Karachi | won | 21/01/08 |
| Pakistan | 344/8 | 50 | 6.88 | 2 | Pakistan | Karachi | lost | 13/03/04 |
| Pakistan | 334/6 | 50 | 6.68 | 1 | Pakistan | Karachi | won | 05/05/23 |
| Sri Lanka | 332/8 | 50 | 6.64 | 1 | Sri Lanka | Karachi | won | 30/06/08 |