Media365
NEW DELHI: The Champions Trophy Group B game between Australia and South Africa was called off due to persistent rain in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, with no play possible.
The rain started early in the morning and despite easing to a drizzle, conditions worsened with poor light.
This led to a delay in the scheduled toss at 1:30 pm local time.
The continuous rainfall created water pools on the protective covers, which the ground staff couldn’t clear, forcing the umpires to abandon the contest.
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A small number of supporters carrying South African and Australian flags waited hopefully but left disappointed without seeing any cricket action.
Both teams received one point each from the abandoned match.
Both Australia and South Africa remain in a strong position to reach the semi-finals, having won their previous matches.
The Proteas lead the group with three points and a net run-rate of 2.14 following their 107-run victory over Afghanistan in their opening game.
Australia hold second place with identical points but a lower net run-rate of 0.475.
England and Afghanistan will face each other in Lahore on Wednesday.
Both teams need a win to stay in the tournament after losing their first matches.
India and New Zealand have already secured their semi-final spots from Group A.
Meanwhile, defending champions Pakistan and Bangladesh have been eliminated from the competition.
