The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with a highly anticipated Group B encounter between Australia and South Africa on Tuesday at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Both teams secured victories in their opening matches, making this clash pivotal for a spot in the semi-finals. Below is a betting preview, best bets & a prediction for this game.
Betting Preview
Australia are renewed with confidence after a record-breaking chase against England. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Australian batting lineup showcased resilience, with Josh Inglis delivering an unbeaten 120 off 86 balls to steer the team to a remarkable victory. However, concerns linger over their bowling attack, which conceded 351 runs to England, highlighting potential vulnerabilities. The absence of their premier fast bowlers places additional pressure on the current attack to contain South Africa’s in-form batsmen.
South Africa, on the other hand, demonstrated a comprehensive performance against Afghanistan. Opener Ryan Rickelton marked his ICC event debut with a stellar century, anchoring the Proteas to a formidable total of 318. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, efficiently dismantled Afghanistan’s lineup, securing a 107-run victory. South Africa’s balanced squad, combining experienced campaigners and young talents, positions them favourably against an Australian side struggling with injuries.
The Rawalpindi pitch is traditionally batting-friendly, with an average first-innings score of 242. However, as the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down, offering assistance to spinners. Dew in the evening sessions could further influence playing conditions, potentially making chasing a preferable option. Surprisingly, the Proteas come into this game as underdogs at 2.15, which makes them huge value as they have the more balanced team on paper. We’re backing the Proteas to win this game.
Statistics
- Head-to-Head in ODIs: Australia and South Africa have faced each other 110 times in ODIs. South Africa holds a slight edge with 55 wins to Australia’s 51, and 4 matches ending without a result. In their last five encounters, South Africa has dominated, winning four matches.
- Recent Performances:
- Australia: Prior to their Champions Trophy opener, Australia endured a challenging period, losing a series to Sri Lanka. However, their successful chase against England has revitalised team morale.
- South Africa: The Proteas have shown consistency, with their top-order batsmen contributing significantly. Rickelton’s debut century and the middle-order’s stability underscore their batting depth.
Betting Tips
Prediction & Best Bet: South Africa to win at 2.15.
Alternative Bet: Ryan Rickelton to score over 27.5 runs at 1.85.
As both teams vie for a semi-final berth, this encounter promises high-intensity cricket. Fans can anticipate a thrilling contest as Australia and South Africa renew their storied rivalry on the global stage.
Lwanele is the Content Manager for BetJets News and has dedicated six years to creating top-notch sports betting content for major bookmakers, establishing himself as a trusted source for betting advice. As the resident tipster for TAB’s popular TV show Racing Today, he specialises in cricket, MMA, and soccer betting. Known for his keen analysis and practical tips, Lwanele provides BetJets readers with the tools they need to approach betting with confidence and strategy.