Australia and South Africa turn their attention to ‘must win’ Champions Trophy contests
Following the pair's washout, pressure remains firmly on both sides to win their way into the Champions Trophy semi-finals stage.
It’s a washout that may prove to help neither Australia or South Africa. The side that won this contest was supposed to all-but book their spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but with the match abandoned, there’s still plenty of work to be done.
How the washout of Australia-South Africa impacts the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-finals race
South Africa remain ahead of the Aussies on net run rate, but will head into the final round of Group B showdowns expecting a win-and-in scenario. Both the Proteas and Australia would need to rely on other results, should they drop their respective next games.
Australia goes up against Afghanistan on Friday in Lahore, before South Africa does battle with England on Saturday.
The Aussies have recent white-ball history with Afghanistan, losing their crucial ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 clash and scraping by in dramatic circumstances back at the 50-over ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in 2023, where it took a Glenn Maxwell miracle to dig the Aussies out of a huge hole.
So if anyone knows what kind of threat Jonathan Trott’s side possesses, it’s Australia.
“Yeah (Afghanistan) are a dangerous side on their day, like every team in this tournament,” Aussie captain Steve Smith said after the washout.
“I think that's the beauty of this tournament, with the eight best teams coming up against it. Anyone can have a good day. So, we're going to have to be on next game.”
Australia topple records in thrilling win | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025
By the time South Africa clashes with England on Saturday, the equation will be clearer for both sides.
But Proteas captain Temba Bavuma will attempt to make sure his side isn’t getting distracted and caught up by scenarios.
“Obviously, we go into the game with winning (on our minds)" he told the media.
“But I think, again, that becomes another important game. England on paper is one of the stronger sides, so we know that as a group we'll have to play to our best.
“But we've got a couple of days now. Kind of put our feet up and then probably after tomorrow start preparing for that clash.”
South Africa breeze past Afghanistan | Match Highlights | Champions Trophy 2025
Plenty will depend on the result of Wednesday’s clash involving England and Afghanistan, the two winless Group B teams. They will face off in Lahore.
