South Africa face Australia in crunch CT match today

RAWALPINDI: Batting-heavy Australia will face a challenging task to unsettle seasoned South Africa as both the teams are eyeing a win today (Tuesday) in one of the eagerly-awaited Champions Trophy matches here at the Pindi Stadium.

Back to their best and fresh from a comfortable win against Afghanistan in the opening match, South Africa will surely target an under-par Australia attack in an attempt to make it two in a row.

“We have that thing in mind but these bowlers that Australia are carrying are good enough. Their batting side is at their best as we have seen in the match against England. They have a side full of potential,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said in a pre-match media talk at the Pindi Stadium Monday.

The South African captain was confident that his team was good enough to challenge the best sides in the CT. “We missed some of the key players in the Tri-series but now are back to our best. Some of our leading players were busy playing domestic cricket, importantly all are coming out of a good season and are in good nick, now we have a team capable of beating the best and confident of going all the way.”

Alex Cary, an Australian lower-order batsman who for a change did not keep wickets against England in the opening match defended his under-par bowling attack. When questioned by ‘The News’ correspondent whether would it be possible for the attack to defend 350 against a leading team, he said he was hopeful.

“Surely we are missing some of the key bowlers but led by Adam Zampa we have an attack capable of serving us well. Deep down, the batting is there to compensate for bowling as we have proved against England.”

He also praised his batsmen led by Josh Inglis for showing guts against England. “We chased down a huge total which is a good indication of how strong our batting line is.” Cary was looking forward to a good outing against South Africa. “They have a strong side. Chances of a good match are there.”

Cary enjoyed his rare stint as a fielder inside of wearing gloves. “That was an exciting experience. Really enjoyed crowd support at the Gaddafi Stadium. They were all for good cricket, waving the flags and supporting each shot.”

The wicketkeeper-batsman sees no change in the playing XI that cantered to an exciting win against England. “I don’t think there is any need for a change if everyone is fit. Final decision rests with the team management.”

South Africa is waiting for the final word on Heinrich Klaasen’s fitness. The hard-hitting batsman missed the opening match against Afghanistan. “We cannot say anything final on his selection at this point in time. He trained in the nets today but the final decision on his selection is subject to one hundred percent fitness.”

Teams (likely) Australia: Alex Carey, Nathan Ellis, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Ben Dwarshuis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Zampa, Spencer Johanson.

South Africa (from): Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch.

TODAY’S FIXTURE

Australia vs South Africa

2:00 pm PST