Rawalpindi: The highly anticipated Group B Australia vs South Africa match in the Champions Trophy 2025 was canceled due to continuous rain in Rawalpindi. Persistent showers made the outfield at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium too wet for play, preventing not just the match but even the toss from taking place.
Umpires Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough initially delayed the toss, which was scheduled for 1:30 PM, but with the rain showing no signs of stopping, they later announced the official cancellation of the match. Match officials confirmed that the ground conditions were unfit for play.
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As a result of the cancellation, both teams were awarded one point each. South Africa and Australia now have three points each from two matches, with South Africa leading Group B based on a superior net run rate, while Australia is in second place. England and Afghanistan, having played one match each, are currently placed third and fourth, respectively.
Weather Wins! Australia vs South Africa Match Rained Out in Rawalpindi
Despite the rain-affected outcome, all four teams in Group B still have a chance to reach the semi-finals. Australia must win its next match against Afghanistan to keep its semi-final hopes alive.
Notably, Australia had previously defeated England, while South Africa had beaten Afghanistan in their opening matches.
Australia will play its next match against Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore, while South Africa will face England on March 1 in Karachi.
Meanwhile, persistent rainfall in Rawalpindi could further impact the Champions Trophy 2025 schedule and points table.
In Group A, hosts and defending champions Pakistan and Bangladesh have already been eliminated, while India and New Zealand have secured their spots in the semi-finals.
Additionally, due to continuous rain in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan’s scheduled practice session in the evening was also canceled.
