RAWALPINDI: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between Australia and South Africa was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
As a result, they each walk away with one point. With this, South Africa and Australia now sit on three points apiece on the points table, but the Proteas hold the upper hand in the standings due to a superior net run rate of 2.140 compared to Australia’s 0.475.
South Africa is set to face England in their final group match at Karachi on March 1, while Australia will go head-to-head with Afghanistan in their concluding encounter of the group stage on February 28 at Lahore.
The highly anticipated showdown in Group B, featuring Australia against South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, has been delayed due to rain. Both teams started their Champions Trophy campaign with victories and are eager to maintain their momentum as they chase advancement to the next round.
The toss has yet to take place. The drizzle is light in but the cover remains. Umpires will go in the middle to inspect as soon as the drizzle ends and the covers are removed.
Australia entered the tournament missing several pivotal players, fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, particularly in their bowling lineup.
Their preparations were less than ideal, having recently suffered a disappointing series loss to Sri Lanka.
Yet, true to their ICC tournament legacy, the Aussies displayed remarkable grit in a nail-biting chase against England, showcasing why they are a force to be reckoned with on the grand stage.
Despite their bowling challenges, characterised by inconsistent pressure and infrequent breakthroughs, bright spots emerged with Ben Dwarshuis and Nathan Ellis shining. Adam Zampa and Marnus Labuschagne also played vital supporting roles.
For Australia to pose a serious threat to the robust South African side, a more unified bowling performance is essential. However, their batting took the spotlight, with Josh Inglis continuing his impressive form and Alex Carey’s determination turning the match in their favour. Their audacious chase of 352 runs surely boosted their confidence as they prepare for this crucial encounter.
Clinical precision
South Africa exhibited clinical precision in their opener against Afghanistan. Ryan Rickelton’s century, complemented by three other middle-order batsmen contributing fifties, propelled them to a formidable total of over 300 runs.
Their bowling attack, led by the relentless Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder, dismantled Afghanistan for just 208 runs, solidifying South Africa’s reputation as serious title contenders. A key focus will be the potential return of Heinrich Klaasen, who missed the first match due to a precautionary rest for a soft tissue injury. If fit, his addition would further enhance an already formidable Proteas lineup.
While South Africa appears stronger on paper, Australia’s tenacity and knack for rising to the occasion make them a dangerous adversary. All indicators suggest an electrifying clash between these cricketing giants, promising an exhilarating display of skill and drama.
Stats and trivia
Australia’s chase of 352 against England was their second-highest successful chase in ODIs.
In that game, Josh Inglis became the fourth Australian men’s cricketer to complete a hundred in all formats, after Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell and David Warner.
Since 2016, South Africa have batted first 12 times against Australia in ODIs and lost only two of those matches. The most recent of these defeats was the semi-final of the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Travis Head has scored 62 runs off 55 balls off Kagiso Rabada in ODIs and been dismissed by him three times. Against Lungi Ngidi, however, he’s scored only 15 off 25 balls for two dismissals.
Klaasen has scored 121 runs off 89 balls from Adam Zampa in ODIs and been dismissed twice by him.
Australia: 1 Matthew Short, 2 Travis Head, 3 Steven Smith (capt), 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis (wk), 6 Alex Carey, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Ben Dwarshuis, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Spencer Johnson.
South Africa: 1 Temba Bavuma (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 David Miller, 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi.
