Australia's Josh Inglis scored a powerful century against England in their opening ICC Champions Trophy clash on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Only Australia can go to an ICC event without their captain and several key players due to injury and still find a way to win big games.
There must be something in the water Down Under.
The six-time world champions are currently without permanent captain Pat Cummins, fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, as well as experienced all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis due to injuries at the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Despite missing some of the world’s best cricketers, the Aussies still found a way to chase down a mammoth target of 352 against England this past Saturday—and did so in dominant fashion, with 15 balls to spare.
Their victory was a massive statement and perhaps a reminder to the rest of the group — which also features South Africa and Afghanistan—that they remain a formidable unit despite the absence of so many seasoned professionals.
This is what awaits South Africa in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, as the two sides prepare to meet for their second-round fixture. While Australia have proven time and again that they are a unique breed in ICC events, history suggests that South Africa are the complete opposite.
However, the current Proteas side, led by Temba Bavuma, has shown that they, too, have the hunger and ability to win big games.
They proved it when they reached their first-ever World Cup final in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and a year prior when they made the semi-finals of the 2023 ODI World Cup in India — despite entering the tournament as rank outsiders.
Though South Africa are a promising team, they will be well aware that the Aussies have a habit of spoiling South African parties. Australia have knocked the Proteas out of multiple ICC events, including the semi-final in India two years ago and the infamous exit at the 1999 World Cup in Edgbaston.
With the ICC Champions Trophy spanning just two weeks, Tuesday’s match could prove to be a potential knockout fixture for both teams.
Can South Africa hold their nerve in a high-stakes clash against Australia? Or will the Aussies do what they do best—crush South African dreams once again?
Victory for South Africa will largely depend on their captain, Bavuma, making full use of his current form.
Since arriving in Pakistan two weeks ago, the 34-year-old has struggled to convert his half-centuries into big, match-winning hundreds. In the three games he has played so far, the right-handed batter has scored two half-centuries—an indication that he is in good touch.
Considering the batter-friendly pitches in Pakistan and the strength of Australia’s batting line-up, Bavuma and the Proteas' batting unit will need to put up a substantial total to stand a chance.