Persistent rain washed out the eagerly anticipated Champions Trophy match between South Africa and two-time winners Australia on Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with no play possible. The pitch remained under covers throughout the day due to light drizzle, and the umpires called off the game shortly after 5 p.m. local time.
Both teams entered the game unbeaten with three points each, and the rain delay added to the uncertainty of their progress to the semifinals. South Africa and Australia will now look ahead to their final Group B fixtures, where each side still has a chance to qualify for the next stage. Australia will face Afghanistan in Lahore on Friday, while South Africa will meet England in Karachi on Saturday.
Both teams had impressive starts to their campaigns. Australia, despite missing three of their frontline fast bowlers, achieved the highest-ever chase in Champions Trophy history, successfully chasing down 352 runs against England in Lahore. Josh Inglis’ century was a standout performance in that match. South Africa, on the other hand, registered a dominant 107-run win over Afghanistan in Karachi, where Ryan Rickelton’s maiden ODI century contributed to their total of 315-6.
New Zealand and India have already secured their places in the semifinals after winning both of their Group A games against Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Looking ahead, England’s must-win match against Afghanistan on Wednesday will determine the final Group B spots, with both teams needing a victory to stay alive in the tournament.
