Watch: Rashid Khan gets injured, collapses in pain after brutal blow to wrist vs SA

Afghanistan's star cricketer Rashid Khan was seen in extreme pain after he injured himself during his side's first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against South Africa in Karachi. It was a big moment in the game Rashid is the most important player for Afghanistan.

During the 21st over of the match, Rashid Khan bowled a quick-length ball on the stumps. Ryan Rickelton played it back to the bowler but Rashid couldn't collect it cleanly and the ball hit him on the left wrist.

The leg-spinner was seen lying on the ground in agony as the physio rushed in to attend him. After a few moments of medical attention, Rashid got up and was ready to bowl again. He immediately made a strong comeback by beating the bat of Rickelton with a googly off his next delivery.

Also read: Pakistan to beat India? India veteran fearful after 1st Dubai match in Champions Trophy 2025

Watch: Rashid Khan in extreme pain after injuring himself

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As Rashid was lying on the ground, the Afghanistan spectators at the ground had their hearts in the mouth. If Afghanistan are to do well in this tournament, Rashid has to play a big role for them.

Rashid Khan is possibly the greatest cricketer to have emerged from Afghanistan ever. He is a global star and has played a huge role in putting Afghanistan on the cricketing map. He has played a key role in Afghanistan's rapid cricketing growth in the last few years.

South Africa start well with the bat

After opting to bat first, South Africa lost Tony de Zorzi for just 11 as Mohammad Nabi picked up his wicket. But Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma resurrected the innings with a fine partnership.

Rickelton played his shots right from the start and showed aggressive intent during the powerplay. The left-hander batted beautifully and mixed caution with aggression perfectly.

Ryan Rickelton completed his half-century off just 48 deliveries. Bavuma too got into the groove and completed his fifty. However, Mohammad Nabi struck against to snap up the big wicket of the South African captain Temba Bavuma for 58 off 76 balls.

South Africa knew that their biggest threat in this game would be Rashid Khan and they played him well. Both Rickelton and Bavuma didn't take many risks but ensured to rotate the strike and put the bad balls away from Rashid.

Rashid's first spell yielded 0-25 in five overs. Allrounder Nabi picked up the first two wickets of the match as Afghanistan's bowling looked toothless on a flat surface at Karachi.

Rashid Khan led Afghanistan to T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final

Rashid Khan played a key role in Afghanistan's road to the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final last year with 14 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 12.78. Under his leadership, Afghanistan defeated the big teams like New Zealand and Australia to make it to the final four.

However, Afghanistan suffered a heartbreaking loss to South Africa to be knocked out. But they will be looking to take confidence from that performance and carry the momentum here.