It's been 27 years since South Africa lifted an ICC Men's senior white-ball Trophy. Is it their time?

1998 was the year of the inaugural ICC Men's Champions Trophy, and it was also the only time that South Africa claimed a senior ICC Men's silverware.

But there is absolutely no doubt that the Proteas have what it takes to go all the way in Pakistan, entering the tournament placed fifth in the ICC's ODI Team Rankings.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side's campaign, which kicks off against the all-round talent of Afghanistan in Karachi.

Along with the Afghanis, South Africa is grouped up with Australia and England - there is no easy path to the Champions Trophy semi-final stage for the African side. But Bavuma's side has the requisite quality with the bat and the ball to make a deep impact in the tournament.

The side has quality pace resources in the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder, and also impactful spinners like Tabraiz Shamsi, and Keshav Maharaj.

Player to Watch: Heinrich Klaasen

The big-hitting Heinrich Klaasen is coming off a stupendous finish to 2024 where he scored 81 (off 43), 97 (off 74), and 86 (off 97) in the three-game ODI series against Pakistan.

His run of form has propelled him to fifth in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings, on 743 ratings points.

In a growing sample size of 57 One-Day Internationals, the 33-year-old averages over 43 with the bat and strikes it at well over three figures (116.19 SR), and thus can play a handy role in the middle-order.

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

Group Stage Fixtures:
21 February - Afghanistan vs South Africa, Karachi
25 February - Australia vs South Africa, Rawalpindi
01 March - South Africa vs England, Karachi