Ngidi says Tri-Series experience was key to strong ICC Champions Trophy start

South Africa cruised to a comfortable 107 run win over Afghanistan in their opening game of the ICC Champions Trophy.

A free-scoring hundred from Ryan Rickleton, back up by fifties from Temba Bavuma (58), Rassie van der Dussen (52) and Aiden Markram (52) help the Proteas to an imposing total of 315/6

The South African bowlers also came to the party with Kagiso Rabada picking up three wickets while Ngidi and Wiaan Mulder got two each. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj got one wicket apiece as Afghanistan was bowled out for 208.

South Africa had an unsuccessful time in the Tri-Series before the tournament, losing both games to Pakistan and New Zealand.

However, Ngidi says the experience in the conditions was crucial to them getting off to a good start in the ICC Champions Trophy.

"It was a massive, massive key for us. Especially playing in the conditions before we actually got the tournament started," Ngidi said.

"We did mention that that's positive for us. So we kind of knew what to expect from the wicket and how it tends to play throughout the day.

"The ones we played in the tri-series were probably a bit more batter-friendly, but having come here early that gave us good feedback in terms of what to expect when we go out to play.

"We knew it was going to always be hard work for the bowlers, but it seemed to fall our way, so we're very happy about that.

"Obviously it was a new wicket, but having been here for a couple of days, it did help us a lot.

"If it's bowler-friendly, you know, we're always smiling as a unit. So, we'll definitely take it in our stride, but we're definitely happy with knowing what the conditions are giving us.

"This is the time to try and get back into it. I'm just building from game to game and hopefully it clicks at the end."