Australia and South Africa duel for semis at Champions Trophy: Match Preview

These two sides have rich history, having played in some ripping ODI contests over the years.

This clash should be no different, given what’s on the line and what each of the sides displayed in their respective first tournament appearances.

With both sides coming off wins to kickstart their campaigns, top spot in Group B may well be decided here. It’s also likely that the winner books their spot in the semi-finals stage.

WATCH: All On The Line Preview | AUS v SA | Champions Trophy 2025

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

How to watch the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Recent form:

Australia: It’s hard to glean too much from Australia’s form, given they put their recent pair of poor showings in Sri Lanka behind them by completing a record run chase against England to launch their tournament campaign.

The concern is whether this Aussie bowling attack is capable of sturdy defensive resistance, after their English rivals blasted 351/8 on Saturday. Without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, there’s undoubtedly less margin for error with this Aussie outfit.

South Africa: The Proteas’ ODI form has also been patchy, with their 107-run win over Afghanistan on Friday ending a run of six straight 50-over defeats, dating back to October last year where they even dropped a game to Ireland.

But there’s no question their first-up effort in Pakistan will have them full of confidence. Their top six all made it to double figures and four of them converted starts into milestone knocks – three scored fifties and opener Ryan Rickelton belted 103 runs from 106 balls.

Players in focus:

Australia: Adam Zampa

Given the absence of Australia’s star trio of bowlers, Adam Zampa is the ‘head of the snake’. He’s the most experienced bowler in Australia’s group, not to mention a short format specialist that approaches his craft aggressively and takes wickets. Coming off 2/64 off 10 overs against England, Zampa’s production will prove pivotal against South Africa’s fierce dugout.

South Africa: Lungi Ngidi

The right-armer finished with 2/56 off seven overs against Afghanistan and he’ll be tasked with the unenviable job of targeting Aussie danger man Travis Head. Ngidi will try and bring the ball back towards the left-hander and, if he’s good enough to generate an early wicket ball, it’ll be a job well done for the opening quick. Removing Head swiftly and cheaply will be at the top of the Proteas’ game plan.

How to watch:

India: JioStar (Live streaming on Jio Hotstar, Television coverage on Star and Network 18 channels)

Pakistan: PTV and Ten Sports, Streaming options: Myco and Tamasha app

UAE and MENA: CricLife Max and CricLife Max2, Streaming option: STARZPLAY

UK: Live broadcasting on Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action, Digital coverage via SkyGO, NOW and Sky Sports App

USA and Canada: WillowTV, Streaming on Willow by Cricbuzz app (Hindi coverage available)

Caribbean: ESPNCaribbean on TV, Streaming via ESPN Play Caribbean app

Australia: PrimeVideo (coverage available in Hindi too)

New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ, digital coverage via Now and SkyGo app.

South Africa and sub-Saharan territories: SuperSport and SuperSport App

Bangladesh: Nagorik TV and T Sports for linear broadcast, digital via Toffee app

Afghanistan: ATN

Sri Lanka: Maharaja TV (TV1 on Linear), Digital via Sirasa

The games can also be viewed on ICC.tv (In select territories)