Australia v South Africa: Champions Trophy cricket - live

The toss should be happening right about now. Should. It’s still raining so we’re going to have a delayed start, and possibly a very frustrating day.

The forecast isn’t great, in truth, so DLS may well be a factor in this game. Whoever wins the toss will surely bowl first.

Australia are without five of their World Cup-winning XI in this tournament. But their replacements – particularly Matt Short, Alex Carey and Nathan Ellis – were key to the win over England.

There is plenty of cloud and, most importantly, a bit of light rain about at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium at the moment. The covers are on but there is no word yet about the start being delayed. Stay tuned!

31m ago 03.00 EST Preamble Rob Smyth

Hello and welcome to live coverage of Australia v South Africa in Rawalpindi. No major tournament is complete without these two old rivals flexing their guns at each other. Australia have generally had the better of South Africa when it really matters, winning World Cup semi-finals in 1999, 2007 and 2023, but it does feel like South Africa are very close to leaving the ghosts of World Cup past behind.

South Africa have a formidable team and beat Afghanistan with the ease in their opening group game. Australia had to work harder to beat England, chasing 352 on the back of a stunning century from Josh Inglis.

Today’s winners won’t officially qualify for the semi-finals, but they become strong favourites to win the group – and potentially avoid India in the semis. The losers will be left needing to win their final game just to reach the last four.

The match starts at 8pm AEDT, 9am GMT.

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