The much-anticipated ICC 2025 Champions Trophy fixture between South Africa and Australia in Rawalpindi on Tuesday has been abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain.
Both the Proteas and Australia came into this match with confidence-boosting victories over Afghanistan and England respectively.
Contests between the two cricket powerhouses has traditionally produced blockbusters and even more so in ICC events.
Moreover, the fact that there was a semi-final spot on the line made it an even more enticing fixture as the whole world was keen to see if history would repeat itself with Australia getting the better of South Africa in ICC events or whether the new-age Proteas team would re-write history and beat the Aussies in such a crucial fixture.
There is no improvement in the weather in Rawalpindi, and with that, the rain has the final say, resulting in the match being officially abandoned without a single ball bowled. 🌩🌧🏏 #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/g2CcZFjMgE
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 25, 2025
Following the delayed toss, the match officials made the call to abandon the match without a ball being bowled, about four hours later.
This has seen South Africa and Australia share a point each as they head into their final matches of the group stage of the tournament.
The clash between Afghanistan and England on Wednesday now holds great importance as a victory for either side will still keep them in semi-final contention.
Australia will face Afghanistan on Friday in their final Pool B match before the Proteas and England lock horns in Karachi on Saturday.
In Pool A, India and New Zealand have already secured their semi-final spots, while hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated.