South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram sustained a hamstring injury during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against England at the National Stadium in Karachi. Markram felt discomfort in his right hamstring after a diving effort at mid-off to save a boundary. He left the field and was initially expected to return but has now been ruled out for the remainder of the game as a precaution.

Cricket South Africa confirmed that Markram will bat only if necessary. In his absence, Heinrich Klaasen has taken over as captain. The decision comes with the semi-finals of the tournament approaching.

"Aiden Markram is experiencing discomfort in his right hamstring. As a precaution, he will not field for the remainder of the innings and will bat only if required. Heinrich Klaasen will captain South Africa for the rest of the match," Cricket South Africa said in a statement.

Earlier, England won the toss and chose to bat. Their campaign has already ended after two losses, including a narrow defeat against Afghanistan in Lahore. South Africa, currently second in Group B, will qualify for the semi-finals unless they suffer a heavy defeat. Australia has already secured a spot in the last four after their rain-affected match against Afghanistan.

England Playing XI: Philip Salt, Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith (w), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (c), Liam Livingstone, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Saqib Mahmood.

South Africa Playing XI: Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (w), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.