The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 has seen its first rain delay as a persistent drizzle in Rawalpindi has caused the toss in the match between Australia and South Africa to be postponed.
Although showers were predicted and the day’s forecast was not ideal, the delayed start has left both South Africa and Australia dissatisfied. Floodlights are on, and based on the images, it appears that we may be facing a rather longer wait.
Both South Africa and Australia won their initial meetings in the current competition, and this is their first Champions Trophy matchup. The winner of the match tonight will advance to the semi-finals, but a point apiece would be disastrous for both teams and would significantly open up the group.
Rain has plagued Australia in the previous two Champions Trophy competitions. During the Champions Trophy between 2013 and 2017, the Kangaroos experienced up to three games being rained out. Prior to their triumph over England in Lahore a few days ago, the Kangaroos had gone 16 years without a Champions Trophy victory, in part because of their lack of success.
Squads
Australia: 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: Temba Bavuma (c), 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, Corbin Bosch.
Probable Playing 11s
Australia Probable Playing 11
Travis Head, Matthew Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
South Africa Probable Playing 11
Ryan Rickleton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie Van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
Where to watch Australia vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
In India, Australia vs. South Africa will be telecast live on Star Sports Network and streamed live on JioHotstar.
India
