Gone are the days where the traditional big-hitters in international cricket might consider beating Afghanistan to be a formality.

But almost from the moment South Africa won the toss, it never felt like the result would be anything but a Proteas win.

There was nothing particularly flashy but it was the casual efficiency with which they secured victory that will add to the belief that Bavuma’s side are among the leading contenders in Pakistan.

With the bat, there was the same calm and patience through the middle overs that is already becoming a theme among the top sides in the competition.

South Africa went along at 6.13 an over between the 11th and 40th overs – the highest of any side at the tournament so far – but rotating the strike rather than boundaries was the key.

They had a dot ball percentage of 37.4%, nearly 10% lower than New Zealand’s 47%, which is the next best in the competition.

Rickelton led the way in that regard and it took an unusual run out – bowler Rashid Khan swooping to collect the ball in his follow through and throwing down the stumps with the South African’s bat in the air as he dived to get back – to end his fine knock.

Bavuma joined him in the steady accumulation of runs before Van der Dussen and Markram upped the tempo late on as four of the top five passed 50.

They passed 300 comfortably and still have the brilliantly destructive Heinrich Klaasen – who was left out as precaution with a left elbow issue – to return.

Meanwhile, even without the express pace of the injured Anrich Nortje, the bowling unit is both varied and full of quality.

Rabada is the undisputed leader of the attack and really ramped up the pace on a bouncy Karachi track with his 91.96mph delivery to bowl Ibrahim Zadran the second fastest ball to take a wicket in the Champions Trophy since 2009.

The consistency of the bowling ensured Afghanistan quickly fell behind the rate and when they did try to launch counter-attacks, the skill of the Proteas bowlers soon stopped such advances in their tracks.

There will be tougher challenges to come but, after falling just short at last year’s T20 World Cup, South Africa look well placed to make a run at another white-ball trophy.