In a clash between two cricketing titans, Australia and South Africa are both within striking distance of tournament progression when they meet in Rawalpindi today. Here's where the pivotal ICC Champions Trophy clash will be won and lost.

These two sides have rich history, having played in some ripping ODI contests over the years.

This clash should be no different, given what's on the line and what each of the sides displayed in their respective first tournament appearances.

With both sides coming off wins to kickstart their campaigns, top spot in Group B may well be decided here. It's also likely that the winner books their spot in the semi-finals stage.

HIGHLIGHTS

*South Africa hold a narrow advantage over Australia in overall head-to-head records in ODIs, winning 55 matches against Australia's 51. Three encounters between the sides ended in a tie and one meeting produced no result.

*The Proteas have also won four out of the five ODIs against Australia.

*Australia and South Africa have never faced each other in the ICC Champions Trophy.

*Since 2016, South Africa have batted first 12 times against Australia in ODIs and lost only two of those matches. The most recent of these defeats was the semifinal of the 2023 ODI World Cup.

*Australia's Glenn Maxwell is 17 runs away from 4000 ODI runs. South Africa's Lungi Ngidi needs one wicket to complete 100 wickets in the format.