The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with a highly anticipated Group B match between Australia and South Africa at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams are coming off strong opening performances, with Australia defeating England in a high-scoring chase and South Africa securing a convincing win over Afghanistan. The Aussie squad and Protea team have faced each other in 110 ODIs, with Australia winning 51 matches and South Africa securing 55 victories; 3 matches ended in ties, and 1 had no result. This encounter is crucial, as the winner will enhance their chances of advancing to the semifinals.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can watch the Aus vs SA live on Star Sports Network in India, Ten Sports in Pakistan, and Amazon Primee in Australia. The match is scheduled to begin at 2:00 pm PST, 2:30 pm IST, and 9:00 am GMT.
Team Analysis
Australia’s batting lineup is formidable, featuring seasoned players like Steve Smith, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell. In their previous match, Australia showcased their batting prowess by successfully chasing down a 352-run target against England, with notable contributions from Josh Inglis, who scored his maiden ODI century. The wicket-keeper batsman, Josh Inglis is an asset for the team as he can unleash his destructive batting talents and can smash boundaries and maximums, playing at an 150 plus strike rate.
However, Australia’s bowling attack faces challenges due to the absence of key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. However, in the previous match against England, Ben Dwarshuis delivered a notable bowling performance, securing figures of 3/66. He can not only yield quick wickets for his team but also limit the opposing squad to a low total. Accompanying him is the legendary Aussie spinner, Adam Zampa. Together, this duo can challenge Tempa Bavuma and his men tomorrow.
Led by captain Temba Bavuma, South Africa enters this match with confidence after a dominant performance against Afghanistan. The team is optimistic about the return of Heinrich Klaasen, who is recovering from a recent elbow injury. Klaasen’s inclusion would bolster the middle order, adding stability and experience. Ryan Rickelton is a talented South African left-handed batter known for his solid technique and aggressive stroke play. This opening batsman smashed a century in the last game and is an important asset for the Proteas team in this game.
But, the most important strength of the South African team is their lethal pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, combining speed, accuracy, and wicket-taking ability. Rabada’s aggression and express pace unsettle batters early, while Ngidi’s sharp bounce and variations make him a key asset in the middle and death overs. Together, they create relentless pressure, making South Africa’s bowling attack one of the most dangerous in world cricket.
Conclusion
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is known for being batting-friendly, offering consistent bounce and pace. Batters from both sides are likely to benefit from these conditions, potentially leading to a high-scoring encounter. Key players to watch include Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell for Australia, and Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada for South Africa. This match promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to secure a spot in the semifinals.
