MAX INTENT Glenn Maxwell will be one of the Australia players that could sway the Champions Trophy clash against South Africa on Tuesday. Picture: Indranil Mukherjee/AFP
Image: Indranil Mukherjee/AFP
It may be a group stage meeting, but there’s no disputing that the clash between South Africa and Australia will be a highly-pressurised ICC Champions Trophy encounter on Tuesday.
While the India-Pakistan clash over the weekend failed to deliver in terms of excitement as it was a completely one-sided affair, the match which involves the Proteas promises to be a more even contest in Rawalpindi.
As such there will be a number of key clashes, and with both sides missing a number of big-name players there will be a bigger emphasis on individual battles.
Here are five players that could turn the contest.
The swashbuckling, unconventional stroke-player Glen Maxwell can easily sway the result if he’s on his game. He didn’t have too much say in Australia’s romp to victory as they chased down a record total with consummate ease against England in their first Group B match last week, and will want to have a bigger impact against SA.
Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma had a good outing against Afghanistan in their Champions Trophy opener, with his knock of 58 coming in at number three. With star batsman Heinrich Klaasen possibly missing out due to injury, there will be more responsibility on the shoulders of Bavuma.
The leader of the Proteas attack Kagiso Rabada normally sets the tone for South Africa, and he was excellent as usual against Afghanistan with 3/36. It’s no secret though, that Rabada holds a special place in his heart for Australian opponents which is to say his blood will be pumping a little bit faster for this match.
The Aussie Steve Smith skipper was out cheaply against England, and against South Africa he will want to ensure he can make a difference. Having scored two ODI centuries and four fifties against the Proteas, the 35-year-old will want to prove his mettle once more against Australia’s old foes.
The lanky fast-bowling allrounder Marco Jansen is in great form with the ball having picked up 10 wickets over his last 10 limited overs outings. Batting down the order though, Jansen will be ready to prove he can pull his side over the line in a chase or help smash a few heavy blows to help set a big total.