Champions Trophy, Australia to face South Africa: Match preview
What's the story
Australia and South Africa will face off in Match 7 of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Group B game will be played on Tuesday (February 25) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Both teams have started their campaigns with wins, with South Africa thrashing Afghanistan by a massive 107 runs and Australia clinching a five-wicket win over England.
Here is the match preview.
Match conditions
Weather, pitch conditions, and streaming details
The weather forecast for the match day isn't very promising as light rain is predicted in Rawalpindi.
The chances of rain are estimated to be between 50-70% during the game.
However, the pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is likely to be flat and batting-friendly, as seen in high-scoring games in recent matches at this venue.
The match be live televised on Star Sports Network while Jiostar will provide the live streaming (2:30pm IST).
H2H
SA have a 55-51 win-loss record over the Aussies
As per ESPNcricinfo, the two teams have locked horns in 110 ODIs.
Australia have won 51 matches compared to South Africa's 55. Three games have been tied with one match seeing a no result.
It must be noted that these two sides have never met in the Champions Trophy before.
The head-to-head record between these two sides in ODIs in Asia reads 4-4.
SA vs AUS
Which team will continue its winning streak?
Australia's opener against England saw them register the highest successful run chase in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.
The team successfully chased down a target of 352 runs in Lahore as Josh Inglis made 120* off just 86 balls.
Meanwhile, South Africa demolished Afghanistan in their first match.
They posted 315/6 thanks to a ton from Ryan Rickelton. A comprehensive show with the ball meant the Afghan team was folded for 208.
Predicted XIs
Predicted XI of the two teams
SA predicted XI: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Australia predicted XI: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.
Stats
Here are the key players
While Rickelton starred with a ton in SA's opener, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram made half-centuries.
Kagiso Rabada claimed three wickets in the game. Meanwhile, Alex Carey and Matthew Short aided Inglis with half-centuries in Australia's opener.
Adam Zampa owns 75 ODI scalps in Asia at 27.94. Rabada has claimed 30 wickets across 16 ODIs against the Aussies.