Australia vs South Africa: Rain Delays Toss In Gloomy Rawalpindi

We’ve had our first rain-interruption in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as the toss has been delayed in the clash between Australia vs South Africa due to a steady drizzle in Rawalpindi.

The forecast was not great for the day and showers were expected, but both Australia and South Africa have been left frustrated due to a delayed start. The floodlights are on and, going by the visuals, it looks like we could be in for a slightly extended delay.

This is the first-ever Champions Trophy clash between Australia and South Africa, both of whom won their respective first clashes in the ongoing tournament. The victor of today’s clash will have one foot in the semi-final but a point each will not be ideal for either side and will open the group up big time.

Australia have been tormented by rain in each of the last two Champions Trophy editions. Across the 2013 and 2017 Champions Trophy, the Kangaroos had as many as three games washed out. The no-results played a part in the Kangaroos going winless in the Champions Trophy for 16 years, until their victory over England in Lahore a few days back.

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