- Yasir Arafat becomes South Africa’s bowling consultant for the Champions Trophy 2025 .
- South Africa’s squad faces injuries, leading to new additions like Corbin Bosch .
- The tri-series in Pakistan prepares teams for the main event .
Yasir Arafat’s New Role with South Africa
Yasir Arafat, a former Pakistan all-rounder, has joined South Africa’s coaching team as their bowling consultant. He brings experience from coaching roles in England, Australia, and Hong Kong . Arafat is the first Pakistani to complete the ECB Level 4 coaching course, making him a valuable addition .
Arafat said his knowledge of Pakistani cricket grounds helped him secure this role. He will guide South Africa’s bowlers during the tri-series and Champions Trophy . “This is a great opportunity to work with a strong team,” he shared .
South Africa’s coach praised Arafat’s international experience. With many senior players absent, Arafat’s focus is on training young bowlers to handle pressure .
Tri-Series: Practice Before the Champions Trophy
The tri-nation ODI series between Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa started on February 8. Matches are held in Lahore and Karachi . The series helps teams prepare for the Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 .
South Africa’s first match was against New Zealand on February 10 at Gaddafi Stadium . The team added experienced bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi to support their young squad .
The final match of the tri-series is on February 14. The top two teams will compete, giving them a chance to test strategies before the Champions Trophy .
South Africa’s Squad Changes Due to Injuries
South Africa’s team has faced multiple injuries. Gerald Coetzee and Anrich Nortje are ruled out, replaced by Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka . Bosch, a 30-year-old all-rounder, played well in the SA20 league and joined the squad in Karachi .
Six uncapped players are part of South Africa’s squad, including Matthew Breetzke and Meeka-eel Prince . Captain Temba Bavuma leads the team, aiming to balance youth and experience .
The team also added Tony de Zorzi and Heinrich Klaasen for later matches. These changes aim to strengthen the squad for high-pressure games .
South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 Campaign
The Champions Trophy 2025 has eight teams divided into two groups. South Africa is in Group B with Australia, England, and Afghanistan . Their first match is against Afghanistan on February 21 in Karachi .
South Africa won the first Champions Trophy in 1998 but hasn’t won an ICC event since . This year, they aim to overcome past losses, like the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final exit .
Key players like Kagiso Rabada and David Miller will join the squad later. Their experience will be crucial in knockout stages .
How Coaching Shapes South Africa’s Strategy
Arafat’s role is critical in improving South Africa’s bowling tactics. He has worked with teams like Sussex and Perth Scorchers, known for strong bowling line-ups . His focus is on adapting to Pakistani pitches, which favor spin and pace .
Young bowlers like Eathan Bosch and Gideon Peters will learn from Arafat’s methods. “Young players are talented and can shine,” Arafat said .
South Africa’s coaching staff also includes batting and fielding experts. Together, they aim to build a balanced team for the Champions Trophy .
Venues and Schedule for Key Matches
The Champions Trophy will use three stadiums in Pakistan:
- National Stadium, Karachi
- Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
- Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore .
South Africa’s group matches:
- February 21: vs Afghanistan (Karachi)
- February 25: vs Australia (Rawalpindi)
- March 1: vs England (Karachi) .
The semi-finals are on March 4–5, and the final on March 9 .
Check out the Champions Trophy Stats
