The Age Old South Africa-australia Battle, A Rivalry Steeped In Tradition And Sandpaper

Theres nothing quite like an Australia -South Africa cricket match to get the blood boiling for an Mzansi sports fan, and it will be no different when the sides meet once more at the ICC Champions Trophy on Tuesday.

With the clash in Rawalpindi, starting at 11am SA time, expected to be another high-scoring affair, the Proteas may feel the possible absence of Heinrich Klaasen even more.

Temba Bavuma and his fellow batsmen will feel the expectations placed on their shoulders, as the pitches in Pakistan and the UAE are something of a batting paradise.

While the Proteas may be missing Klaasen, Australia are already without the services of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood for the tournament.

The last meeting between the sides at a 50-over competition, came in the 2023 Cricket World Cup semi-final. Though that result went the way of the Aussies, it was not before the Proteas knocked seven of their batsmen over in pursuit of a meagre 213 for victory.