Tue Feb 25 09:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Rain Delays Australia-South Africa Clash in ICC Champions Trophy

**Rawalpindi, Pakistan:** The highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match between reigning champions Australia and South Africa has been delayed due to rain at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Covers are currently on the field, pushing back the toss.

Both teams enter the match with victories under their belts. Australia overcame a challenging 352-run target to defeat England in Lahore, while South Africa secured a comprehensive 107-run win against Afghanistan in Karachi. A win for either side today would significantly boost their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

In the event of a washout, both teams would receive a point each, leaving both Australia and South Africa with three points apiece. However, South Africa’s superior net run rate (+2.140) compared to Australia’s (+0.475) would maintain their top spot in Group B.

South Africa’s next match is against England on March 1st. A win would virtually guarantee their semi-final berth. Australia’s final group stage match is against Afghanistan; a win would likely secure their semi-final spot as well, eliminating England and Afghanistan from contention. England’s hopes hinge on winning their remaining matches and avoiding rain interruptions. Even a South Africa victory over England wouldn’t secure their semi-final spot if their previous match against Afghanistan was washed out, and the net run rate would come into play.

**Possible Playing XIs:**

**Australia:** Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

**South Africa:** Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rilee Rossouw, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

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