In the seventh match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Australia is set to face off against South Africa. This thrilling encounter will unfold at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, February 25.
Australia, the reigning world champions, kicked off their Champions Trophy journey with a stunning win. Led by Steve Smith, they overcame England by five wickets in Lahore, marking a powerful start to their campaign.
England had posted an intimidating score of 351/8, putting Australia in a tight spot. At one point, their batting line-up was in trouble at 136/4, but they made a remarkable comeback. Josh Inglis spearheaded the resurgence with a blistering unbeaten century.
Inglis blasted 120 runs, while Alex Carey contributed a valuable 69, enabling Australia to chase down the total in under 48 overs. As Australia sets their sights on another victory, let’s take a closer look at their starting eleven for the upcoming showdown.
Australia’s Playing XI vs South Africa – ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Match 7:
Openers: Matthew Short, Travis Head
Matthew Short and Travis Head are once again opening for Australia in this second match. Short kicked off his tournament on a high note. Even as Australia’s top order faltered, he held his ground with a determined fifty, eventually leaving the field with a solid 63, featuring nine boundaries and a six.
On the contrary, Travis Head struggled to make an impact, managing just six runs before Jofra Archer dismissed him. One of the top players across formats, Head will be eager to put on a better display in this game.
Middle-order Batters and All-rounders: Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell
Captain Steve Smith had a challenging game against England, contributing just five runs before Mark Wood got the better of him. However, he’ll be looking to lead with a big score against South Africa.
Marnus Labuschagne showcased his all-round capabilities by taking two wickets and chipping in 47 runs, securing his place in the lineup.
The dynamic duo of Josh Inglis and Alex Carey played pivotal roles in Australia’s victory, putting together an impressive 146-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Carey finished with 69, while Inglis sealed his innings with a memorable 120 not out.
Glenn Maxwell also enjoyed a successful game, claiming Jos Buttler’s wicket. He then smashed an undefeated 32 off just 15 deliveries, aiding the team’s successful chase of the target.
Bowlers: Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson
Australia’s bowling contingent is expected to remain unchanged. Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson form the pace trio, with Adam Zampa heading the spin department.
Dwarshuis delivered a commendable performance against England, claiming three wickets. With two crucial dismissals in the first six overs, he set the tone early and will aim for a repeat performance.
Spencer Johnson will be hoping to bounce back after a wicketless outing that saw him concede 54 runs in seven overs. Nathan Ellis also did not pick a wicket, but his disciplined bowling yielded just 51 runs from ten overs on a flat pitch. Adam Zampa managed to take two wickets, giving away 64 runs in his ten-over spell.
