The Champions Trophy 2025 has captivated cricket fans with a series of thrilling encounters so far. Continuing the excitement, Match 7 promises a riveting clash between Group B’s Australia (AUS) and South Africa (SA). The much-anticipated game is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
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Australia vs South Africa: Preview
Australia and South Africa have bounced back from disappointing pre-tournament performances with victories in their Champions Trophy openers, setting the stage for an exciting showdown between two in-form batting line-ups. Australia enters the contest with added momentum after pulling off the tournament’s highest-ever successful chase—352 runs—with 15 balls to spare. Meanwhile, South Africa’s commanding 315 for 6 against Afghanistan earned them a 107-run win, boosting their position on the points table with a superior net run rate.
With Rawalpindi expected to offer a batter-friendly surface, both bowling attacks are likely to face a challenging outing. Injuries have hit Australia harder, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc sidelined. South Africa isn’t without setbacks either—Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee are absent—but they still boast a pace-heavy arsenal with five seamers and three spinners, including the versatile Aiden Markram. Australia’s squad composition mirrors this balance, with Marnus Labuschagne providing an additional bowling option. Ultimately, the key differences could hinge on team selection and how the captains manage their bowling resources to apply pressure.
While a win won’t guarantee a semi-final spot, it will put the victor in prime position to top the group. Fans can expect a high-octane clash, especially considering their last meeting at the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, where South Africa’s 212-run total nearly proved enough as Australia scraped to victory with just three wickets remaining in the 48th over. That tense, low-scoring thriller contrasts with the potential for a run-fest this time around. With both teams renowned for their fierce competitiveness, this promises to be one of the tournament’s marquee encounters, drawing a packed crowd eager for fireworks.
“We might need to score 400 if we bat first,” Alex Carey remarked with a hint of humor during Monday’s press conference in Rawalpindi, ahead of Australia’s Champions Trophy clash with South Africa. His comment, though lighthearted, reflected the high-scoring trend of the tournament so far.
Recent matches have showcased batting dominance. South Africa’s 315/6 against Afghanistan in Karachi secured a comprehensive 107-run victory, while England’s 351/5 in Lahore stood as the highest total until Australia’s remarkable chase surpassed it with ease. With both sides boasting powerful batting line-ups and facing depleted bowling attacks, Tuesday’s contest is expected to produce another high-scoring spectacle—scores below 300 seem increasingly unlikely given that four of the twelve innings so far have exceeded that mark.
The potential for a record-breaking run-fest looms large. The highest aggregate in a men’s ODI—872 runs from the iconic 2006 Wanderers clash between these very teams—could be under threat. That historic encounter saw Australia post 434/4 before South Africa chased it down with 438/9. Since then, the 400-run milestone has been crossed 27 times in men’s ODIs, with South Africa accounting for eight of those towering totals and Australia contributing two. Notably, teams reaching 400 have won 24 of those matches, highlighting how decisive such scores can be.
Interestingly, both Australia and South Africa have been on the receiving end of 400-plus totals multiple times, underscoring the batting-friendly conditions and aggressive modern-day approach. While Carey’s 400-run quip was partly in jest, he acknowledged the serious possibility of a monumental total, especially with Rawalpindi’s flat pitch and fast outfield favoring the batters.
The stakes are high. A win on Tuesday would all but secure a semi-final spot, while a loss would make the final group game a must-win. Australia arrived at the tournament after four straight ODI losses and a squad hit by injuries, while South Africa also endured a six-match losing streak, largely due to player absences and T20 league commitments. Yet both teams have bounced back impressively, setting up a high-pressure encounter with knockout implications.
Afghanistan’s strong recent form and England’s struggles had initially suggested an easier path to the semi-finals for the Afghans. However, South Africa’s dominant win and Australia’s record chase have reshuffled the group’s dynamics. As these two rivals prepare for another pivotal ICC showdown, fans can expect an electrifying contest—one that may very well live up to its billing as a run-laden thriller, weather permitting.
Australia vs South Africa: Head-to-head
- Matches Played: 110
- Won by Australia: 51
- Won by South Africa: 55
- Tied: 3
- No Result: 1
- First-ever Fixture: 26 February 1992
- Most-recent Fixture: 16 November 2023
Australia vs South Africa: Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Rawalpindi returns to hosting ODIs after a break since April 2023, with previous matches featuring high scores from Pakistan and New Zealand. Both Temba Bavuma and Alex Carey expect another batting-friendly surface, hinting at a high-scoring contest.
Bavuma noted significant dew during South Africa’s weekend training, suggesting an advantage for teams batting second—a sentiment Carey shares. Cooler conditions are forecast, with temperatures peaking at 17°C, while drizzle in the afternoon and a higher chance of evening showers could impact play.
Australia vs South Africa: Recent Form
Australia: WLLLL (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa: WLLLL
Australia vs South Africa: Team News and Predicted XI
Australia – Team News
Australia are unlikely to make changes to their playing XI, with Alex Carey hinting at continuity. However, they might tweak their bowling unit by replacing one of the left-arm pacers, Spencer Johnson or Ben Dwarshuis, with Sean Abbott. Despite the absence of key players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis, Australia secured an impressive win over England, suggesting little need for alterations.
Australia – Predicted XI
- Matthew Short
- Travis Head
- Steve Smith (capt)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Alex Carey
- Glenn Maxwell
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
South Africa – Team News
Heinrich Klaasen, sidelined from South Africa’s opener against Afghanistan due to an elbow issue, will undergo a fitness test to determine his availability. Should he be cleared, South Africa may adjust their top order to accommodate him in the middle, potentially sidelining Tony de Zorzi, especially after Ryan Rickelton’s century cemented his place.
The team appears content with one specialist spinner, which could see Tabraiz Shamsi miss out again, while the pace attack remains a four-seamer option. Klaasen’s elbow concern persists, raising the possibility of another absence.
South Africa – Predicted XI
- Temba Bavuma (capt)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Australia vs South Africa: Players To Watch Out For
Nathan Ellis (Australia)
In a high-scoring clash that yielded 707 runs in 97.3 overs, Nathan Ellis stood out by conceding fewer than six runs per over—a remarkable feat. Bowling his full quota of 10 overs for just 51 runs against England, Ellis showcased exceptional control and composure in only his tenth ODI appearance.
Unlike the typical fast bowler, the 5-foot-9 pacer relies on precision and variation rather than sheer speed to trouble batters. While not primarily an attacking option, his role in containing teams during the middle overs could prove crucial to Australia’s success in the tournament.
Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)
Rassie van der Dussen, known for his consistency and boasting the third-highest ODI batting average in South Africa’s history, has recently faced a dip in form. His 46-ball 52 against Afghanistan ended a run of 11 innings without a half-century, possibly easing the pressure as competition for top-order spots intensifies.
With Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and van der Dussen vying for two positions, and Tristan Stubbs waiting in the wings, van der Dussen will be eager to solidify his place with impactful performances.
Australia vs South Africa: Prediction
Scenario 1
- Toss: Australia win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 70-85
- South Africa Total: 285-300
- Match Result: Australia wins the match
Scenario 2
- Toss: South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl first
- Powerplay Score: 75-90
- Australia Total: 290- 310
- Match Result: South Africa wins the match
When and Where To Watch Australia vs South Africa LIVE? Broadcast and Streaming Details
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 Group A encounter between Australia and South Africa is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi in Pakistan. The match will commence at 2:30 PM IST, with the toss set for 2:00 PM. Fans can watch the live broadcast on the Star Sports Network, while live streaming will be available on the JioHotstar app and website.
Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: Ravindra, Latham, and Bracewell Secure New Zealand’s Place In The Semi-finals
FAQs
When is the Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 match?
The Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy clash is scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025, in Rawalpindi.
What is the head-to-head record between Australia and South Africa in ODIs?
Out of 110 ODIs, South Africa leads with 55 wins, while Australia has 51 victories. There have been 3 ties and 1 no result.
Why is a high-scoring game expected between Australia and South Africa?
Both teams boast powerful batting line-ups, flat pitch conditions, significant dew, and recent high-scoring matches at the venue make a total of 300+ likely.
Who are the key players to watch in the Australia vs South Africa match?
Keep an eye on Nathan Ellis for his control in the middle overs, Rassie van der Dussen for top-order stability, and Ryan Rickelton after his recent century.
How could weather conditions affect the Australia vs South Africa game?
Cooler temperatures (around 17°C) and a high chance of afternoon and evening rain could influence pitch behavior and favor teams chasing.
