The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is in full swing, and cricket enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the high-stakes clash between Australia (AUS) and South Africa (SA) in Match 7. Scheduled for February 25 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams aim to secure a spot in the semi-finals. In this blog, we will share the AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, and key insights to help you pick the best fantasy team.
Match Preview
Australia comes into this game with confidence after a strong five-wicket win against England in their first match. Chasing a big target of 352, the Australian batting lineup showed great depth and determination. Josh Inglis was the top performer, scoring an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls, while Alex Carey and Matthew Short added important half-centuries. However, Australia’s bowling attack struggled without key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, allowing England to post 351 runs. This could be a challenge against South Africa’s powerful batting unit.
South Africa started their campaign with a dominant 107-run win over Afghanistan. Opener Ryan Rickelton led the way with a century, while Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen made valuable contributions. The bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, did a great job by restricting Afghanistan to 208 runs. This well-rounded performance shows South Africa’s strong intent to go far in the tournament.
AUS vs SA Head to Head Records
Australia and South Africa have faced each other in One Day Internationals (ODIs) numerous times, with both teams showcasing competitive performances. Below is a summary of their head-to-head records:
| Statistic | Australia | South Africa | Tied | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 103 | 103 | 3 | 1 |
| Matches Won | 48 | 51 | – | – |
| Matches Lost | 51 | 48 | – | – |
| Win Percentage | 46.60% | 49.51% | – | – |
AUS vs SA Weather Report
The weather forecast for Rawalpindi on February 25, 2025, shows a cloudy day with temperatures reaching 24°C and dropping to 16°C at night. The sky will stay overcast, but no heavy rain is expected, allowing the AUS vs SA Champions Trophy match to go on without interruptions. The cloud cover might help swing bowlers, which could impact team tactics and playing conditions. Fans can expect a pleasant day with mild temperatures. It is a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater for the cooler evening hours.
AUS vs SA Pitch Report
Match Details:
- Date & Time: February 25, 2025, 2:30 PM IST
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pitch Type | A balanced surface that initially supports fast bowlers but gradually turns into a batting-friendly pitch. Batsmen who play proper shots can score big, especially in the middle and death overs. |
| Pace and Bounce | Offers good carry and bounce, benefiting pacers early in the innings. Seamers who hit the deck hard can extract movement, especially under cloudy conditions. However, as the game progresses, the pitch flattens, favoring batsmen. |
| Spin Factor | Spinners get decent assistance, especially in the second innings when the pitch starts to wear out. Wrist spinners are likely to be more effective, as they can extract turn and deceive batsmen. |
| Dew Influence | There is a slight chance of dew in the evening, which can make gripping the ball difficult for spinners and pacers. Teams chasing might get an advantage if dew settles in. |
| Average First-Innings Score | The average first-innings score at this venue in ODIs ranges between 270-300, indicating a good batting surface. However, totals above 320 have been chased successfully in recent matches. |
| Preferred Strategy | Winning the toss and batting first is usually preferred to take advantage of the true bounce early on. However, if dew is expected in the second innings, teams might opt to bowl first to avoid difficulties while fielding. |
AUS vs SA Playing 11 Predictions
Australia Predicted 11:
- Matthew Short
- Travis Head
- Steve Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Alex Carey
- Glenn Maxwell
- Ben Dwarshuis
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
South Africa Predicted 11:
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Ryan Rickelton (wk)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- David Miller
- Heinrich Klaasen/Tony de Zorzi
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
Injury and Availability News
Both Australia and South Africa are managing significant injury concerns ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy clash.
Australia’s Injury and Availability News
Australia faces a challenging situation with the absence of their entire first-choice pace attack:
- Pat Cummins: The regular captain and premier fast bowler is sidelined due to an ankle injury.
- Josh Hazlewood: The experienced seamer is unavailable because of a hip injury.
- Mitchell Starc: The left-arm pacer has withdrawn from the tournament for personal reasons.
In addition to these bowling setbacks, the team is also without key all-rounders:
- Mitchell Marsh: Ruled out due to a back injury.
- Marcus Stoinis: Announced his retirement from ODIs prior to the tournament.
In the absence of Pat Cummins, Steve Smith has been appointed as the stand-in captain for the tournament. South Africa is closely monitoring the fitness of their in-form middle-order batsman, Heinrich Klaasen. Klaasen missed the opening match against Afghanistan due to a left elbow soft tissue injury. Captain Temba Bavuma stated that Klaasen’s participation against Australia will be determined after assessing his performance in practice sessions. Additionally, South Africa is without fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to back trouble.
AUS vs SA Dream11 Prediction
Wicketkeepers:
- Josh Inglis: Inglis showcased exceptional form in Australia’s opening match, scoring an unbeaten 120 runs. His current batting prowess makes him a valuable addition to the fantasy team.
Batsmen:
- Steve Smith: The Australian captain brings experience and stability to the lineup. His ability to anchor the innings is crucial against a formidable South African bowling attack.
- Ryan Rickelton: Rickelton’s impressive century in South Africa’s opener highlights his potential to accumulate significant fantasy points.
- Marnus Labuschagne: A reliable batsman, Labuschagne contributes consistently and can also provide occasional breakthroughs with the ball.
- David Miller: Known for his finishing abilities, Miller can accelerate the scoring rate in the death overs, making him a strategic pick.
All-rounders:
- Glenn Maxwell: Maxwell’s dual capability with bat and ball offers a balanced option, enhancing the team’s flexibility.
- Aiden Markram: Markram’s consistent performances in both departments make him a valuable asset in the fantasy lineup.
Bowlers:
- Kagiso Rabada: Leading South Africa’s pace attack, Rabada’s wicket-taking ability is indispensable for fantasy points.
- Adam Zampa: As Australia’s primary spinner, Zampa’s knack for breaking partnerships adds depth to the bowling unit.
- Ben Dwarshuis: Dwarshuis’s impressive three-wicket haul in the previous match underscores his potential to contribute significantly.
- Marco Jansen: Jansen’s left-arm pace and ability to extract bounce can trouble batsmen, making him a strategic inclusion.
Suggested Dream11 Team
- Wicketkeeper: Josh Inglis
- Batsmen: Steve Smith, Ryan Rickelton (VC), Marnus Labuschagne, David Miller
- All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell (C), Aiden Markram
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Adam Zampa, Ben Dwarshuis, Marco Jansen
Note: Fantasy cricket involves an element of luck, and player performances can vary. It’s advisable to stay updated with the latest team news and player form before finalizing your team.
I love Cricket and Kabaddi and know a lot about them. I like talking about matches and players, helping people understand these sports better. Additionally, I enjoy providing predictions for upcoming games to add an extra layer of excitement for fans.
