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Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy Tips - Proteas could move closer to knockouts

By Sridhar Bhamidi

24 Feb 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 24 Feb 2025

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Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy ODI match predictions to be played in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, February 25
South Africa won 7 of their last 11 ODIs they played in Pakistan
Australia lost 15 of their last 19 ODIs against South Africa

Can South Africa take revenge for the 2023 ODI World Cup semi final loss against Australia? (Getty Images)

Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy

A second win and a step closer to the semis is in sight, as Australia and South Africa meet in match #7 of the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday. This Group B match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with the game starting at 2:30 pm local time.

Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy
Head to Head
Australia Form
Australia Team News
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy FAQs

Both Australia and South Africa had fantastic starts to the tournament, winning their opening matches in contrasting styles. This could be their chance to stamp their authority and get some early momentum towards the business end of the tournament. Although the teams are closely stacked together, I am backing South Africa to have a small edge and emerge victorious.

South Africa won 7 of their last 11 matches played in Pakistan (ODIs).
Australia lost 2 of their last 3 matches played in Pakistan (ODIs).
Australia lost 4 of their last 6 matches against South Africa in neutral venues (ODIs).
South Africa won 15 of their last 19 matches against Australia (ODIs).

Head to Head

This was one of the celebrated rivalries of the late 1990s and the early 2000s, and the records suggest the same. Australia played South Africa in 110 matches, winning 51 and losing 55. Three matches ended in a tie, while one finished without any result.

The teams last clashed in the semi-final of the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, where Australia won by three wickets. It was a Travis Head show (62 and 2 for 21) that trumped David Miller’s heroic century.

Overall, it’s South Africa who have an edge in recent times, with 15 wins in the last 19 ODIs.

Australia Form

Australia started with a five-wicket win over England at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore last Saturday. They have a positive NRR of 0.475, and a win here would almost guarantee a place in the semis.

England posted a competitive 351 for 8 in that match, although captain Steve Smith said that he’s happy the target wasn’t 400. Ben Dwarshuis (3 for 66) was their best bowler, while Zampa and Labuschagne got two wickets each.

The chase looked lost, but Josh Inglis (120* off 86 balls) crafted a brilliant recovery in support with Alex Carey (69).

Australia Team News

Australia could continue with the same team unless they look to mix it up a bit by including an extra spinner in Tanveer Sangha for Spencer Johnson.

South Africa Form

South Africa started their tournament with a 107-run demolition of Afghanistan in Karachi last Friday. They have a very healthy positive NRR of 2.140 and are leading the group points tally.

The Proteas posted 315 for 6 with Ryan Rickelton (103) leading the show. There were fifties for three other batters, with Aiden Markram providing the late impetus.

The bowlers then restricted Afghanistan to 208 all out in 43.3 overs. Kagiso Rabada took 3 for 36, while Wiaan Mulder and Lungi Ngidi had two wickets each.

South Africa Team News

Heinrich Klaasen could be fit and be back in the side, probably at the expense of Tony de Zorzi or Rassie van der Dussen.

Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy FAQs

Where can I watch the Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy live stream.

What time does Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy start?

This Australia vs South Africa Champions Trophy match is being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi starting at 2:30 p.m. IST on Tuesday, February 25.

Verdict

Australia v South Africa - One Day Match

South Africa have shown that they have variety in their squad to make a strong push. The bowling still looks over-dependent on Rabada, but spinners and batters look settled. One can never rule Australia out in ICC tournaments, but this could be South Africa’s chance to shine. I am backing South Africa to win.