It will be both teams first game of the tournament in Pakistan, while for the Afghans it will be their Champions Trophy debut.

South Africa are the 1998 champions, and it remains their only senior ICC title to date. Afghanistan will be confident after they beat South African 2-1 in the One-Day International series in Sharjah last year.

Bavuma warned that the Afghans will fight throughout the match.

“They are a highly competitive team, Afghanistan and they've got a lot of experience within their team,” said Bavuma.

“There are players that international pedigree, at least from a skill point of view. Like I said, we played against them mid to late last year and they were victorious. So, they won't be short of any type of confidence coming into the game.

“We've also had a good look at them and it’ probably a similar team that we played against in Sharjah.”

Bavuma added that the flat wickets will be a proper challenge for the bowling unit, but they must challenge themselves, while the batters must grab the opportunity to go big.

Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller - Cricinfo

“It will quite a nice challenge for the bowlers, so I think probably our challenge as a bowling unit is to be one of the more disciplined and precise bowling units,” Bavuma added.

“I guess we’re always looking for opportunities to take wickets and then I think from a batting point of view you know scoreboard pressure is a big thing. So guys getting in making sure they go big so we can challenge for those 330 through to 350 type of scores. “

This match between South Africa and Afghanistan is scheduled to get underway at 11:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport