Champions Trophy 2025: Well-Balanced South Africa Look To Double Their ICC Tally

Last Updated:February 19, 2025, 07:00 IST

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 South Africa Preview: Check South Africa’s best playing XI, full squad, complete list of fixtures and form heading into the CT 2025.

South Africa, winners of the inaugural edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, set out to inscribe their name on the coveted piece of silverware yet again as they gear up for the upcoming edition of the marquee event slated to be held in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates. Despite coming into the tournament on the back of some woeful results in the 50-over format of the game, the Proteas will look to give the world a glimpse of their proud cricketing legacy which has come to define them.

The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy is all set to kick off with Pakistan geared up to host their first ICC event in nearly three decades and is sure to enthrall the cricket-loving populace. The marquee tournament returns after a near eight-year hiatus and defending champions Pakistan have the honour of hosting it this time around. The event which was originally meant to be held on Pakistani soil throughout, had to be altered to a hybrid format following BCCI’s decision not to send the Indian team across the border citing security reasons and UAE stepped in to bridge the gap by hosting India’s games in Dubai.

South Africa’s History At ICC Champions Trophy

The Proteas won the inaugural edition of the CT back in the year 1998 and have managed to reach the semifinals of the event four times over. They have suffered a group-stage exit thrice at the ICC tournament.

• 1998: South Africa clinched the title
• 2000: South Africa knocked out in the semifinal
• 2002: Knocked out in the semifinal
• 2004: Knocked out in the group stage
• 2006: Knocked out in the semifinal
• 2009: Knocked out in the group stage
• 2013: Knocked out in the semifinal
• 2017: Knocked out in the group stage

Strongest Playing XI

Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch.

Top Players To Watch Out For:

Heinrich Klaasen: The seasoned South African will underpin the hopes of the Proteas heading into the event as the 33-year-old possesses the ability to take the game away from the opposition once he gets going. The maverick batter induces a sense of fear in the hearts of bowlers, especially against the spinners, and is also sharp with the gloves behind the wicket when SA step out onto the field to bowl.

Tristan Stubbs: The 24-year-old has proven himself to be a promising prospect in recent times and can offer both explosivity and stability in the South African middle order. His addition to the squad is sure to bolster a batting lineup that also comprises Klaasen, Aiden Markram and David Miller, who can all be deadly once they get their eye in. Stubbs stands incredibly poised to complement the middle of the pack with his lethal batting.

Marco Jansen: The lanky Protea pacer has the ability to do the damage with both the willow and the leather in hand and will play an integral part in the South African’s showing at the CT 2025.

South Africa Recent Form (Past 5 Matches)

South Africa come into the tournament with an unenviable recent record in ODIs having lost the last five of their 50-over assignments. Four of those defeats came against Pakistan, while the other one was their defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the tri-nation series which was part of the build-up to the CT 2025.

• PAK vs SA: Pakistan won by 6 wickets
• SA vs NZ: New Zealand won by 4 wickets
• SA vs PAK: Pakistan won by 36 Runs (DLS method)
• SA vs PAK: Pakistan won by 81 runs
• SA vs PAK: Pakistan won by 3 wickets

South Africa Full Squad

Temba Bavuma (C), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.

Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

South Africa Fixtures (Group B)

Afghanistan vs South Africa – 21 February, 2025

Australia vs South Africa – 25 February, 2025

South Africa vs England – 1 March, 2025