Australia vs South Africa in Champions Trophy 2025 Preview, Time, Venue, Squads

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Australia is set to take on South Africa in their second match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams will be eager to win here to strengthen their case for a spot in the semi-finals, making this contest an exciting one to watch.

Match Details:

Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan  
Date: February 25, 2025 (Tuesday)  
Time: 2:00 PM PST (Toss at 1:30 PM IST)  

Team Previews:

Australia:

Led by Steve Smith, Australia has been a force to reckon with in international cricket. However, due to injury setbacks, we will see a new bowling combination for the Aussies. Their batting lineup, spearheaded by Travis Head and Steve Smith, will be key against South Africa's bowling attack. The likes of Glenn Maxwell and Head will need to fire in order to set a strong total, especially considering their relatively inexperienced bowling attack.

South Africa:

Temba Bavuma’s South Africa comes into this game with a well-balanced squad, boasting a strong batting lineup including Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, and David Miller. Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi will be crucial in restricting Australia’s batting unit.

Squads:

Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Rassie van der Dussen

Pitch Report:

This will be the second match of the tournament in Rawalpindi, a venue known for its batting-friendly pitch. The surface offers good bounce and pace, making stroke play easier. Seamers may get some early movement, but spinners could struggle. Historically, teams chasing have had an advantage here like we saw yesterday, in the match between New Zealand and Bnagladesh.

Weather Report:

The weather in Rawalpindi is cloudy with a temperature of 75°F (24°C). The forecast for today predicts mostly cloudy conditions with a high of 77°F (25°C) and a low of 56°F (14°C). 

Match Prediction:

Australia’s batting attack will pose a challenge for South Africa’s bowling, but the Proteas’ balanced squad and experience give them an edge. Expect a competitive contest as both teams look to top their groups.