Rawalpindi (Pakistan), February 25: The much-anticipated Group B Champions Trophy match between South Africa and Australia at Rawalpindi has been delayed due to rain. The South Africa Men’s cricket team confirmed on their official X handle that the toss has been delayed because of drizzle in the area, with the covers currently on the field.
Both teams come into the match with a win in their opening games. Australia stunned England by chasing down a massive 352, while South Africa dominated Afghanistan with a 107-run victory. As a result, South Africa sits at the top of Group B, while Australia occupies second place.
South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, is not underestimating the Australian side, despite their absence of a star-studded pace attack, which is missing Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood. Additionally, injuries to Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis’ sudden retirement have further affected Australia. However, Bavuma remains cautious and stressed that any Australian team competing in an ICC event should never be taken lightly. “I think they still have enough to be successful as a team, like you mentioned with their batting,” Bavuma said, acknowledging the strength of Australia’s batting lineup.
Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey emphasized the need for Australia to post a high total if they bat first. “We might need to make 400 if we bat first,” Carey noted, reflecting on how the surfaces in Pakistan have played throughout the tournament. He added that high scores could be crucial in the tournament, particularly if dew becomes a factor, which could make defending totals challenging.
With both teams in strong form, the match promises to be an exciting contest, with conditions in Rawalpindi likely playing a key role in shaping the outcome.
Australia Champions Trophy Squad:
- Steve Smith (C)
- Sean Abbott
- Alex Carey
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Aaron Hardie
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis
- Spencer Johnson
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Tanveer Sangha
- Matthew Short
- Adam Zampa
South Africa Champions Trophy Squad:
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Corbin Bosch
- Tony de Zorzi
- Marco Jansen
- Heinrich Klaasen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Lungi Ngidi
- Kagiso Rabada
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Rassie van der Dussen