Rawalpindi, Pakistan, February 25 (ANI): The highly anticipated Champions Trophy match between Australia and South Africa was canceled without even the toss taking place due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi on Monday.
The ICC confirmed the match was abandoned due to continuous rain in Rawalpindi, stating, "Incessant rain forces the Group B Champions Trophy contest between Australia and South Africa to be called off."
The match was severely impacted by the continuous rain that had been falling since morning, leaving the ground staff with limited time to prepare the venue. The persistent downpour ultimately led to the cancellation of the game, resulting in a draw for both teams.
South Africa and Australia are tied with three points each, currently holding the top two positions in Group B. A rain-soaked match is now a must-win for Afghanistan and England on Wednesday, with the loser facing elimination from the tournament.
The defending champions in Group A, Bangladesh and Pakistan, were eliminated from the tournament on Monday. New Zealand secured a comfortable five-wicket win, joining India in qualifying for the semi-finals.
Australia will now prepare to face Afghanistan on Friday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa will play its final group-stage match against England on Saturday at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
The Baggy Greens started their competition by achieving a record 352-run chase against England. Meanwhile, South Africa secured a 107-run victory over Afghanistan in a one-sided match.
Squads:
Australia Squad: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steven Smith (captain), Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Tanveer Sangha
South Africa Squad: Ryan Rickelton(w), Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi, Heinrich Klaasen, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch.