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Australia`s thrilling win over South Africa featured Steve Smith`s century and strong performances from key players.

Australia clinched a thrilling five-wicket victory over South Africa in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Chasing a target of 287, Australia reached 288/5 with 11 balls to spare, thanks to a masterful century from Steve Smith, who scored 112 runs off 118 balls. After losing early wickets, Smith anchored the innings, forming crucial partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne (47) and Alex Carey (69). Glenn Maxwell added the finishing touches with a brisk 38 off 21 balls.

South Africa, batting first, posted 286/7, with Rassie van der Dussen top-scoring with 89 runs. Marco Jansen contributed a valuable 48 down the order. Nathan Ellis was the standout bowler for Australia, taking 3 wickets for 52 runs. This victory places Australia in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals, sitting atop Group B with 4 points, ahead of South Africa on net run rate.

Smith`s century elevates him to second in the tournament batting charts with 178 runs, while Ellis moves to third among bowlers with 5 wickets. The match attracted a capacity crowd of 28,000 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Australia`s next challenge is against Afghanistan on February 28 in Lahore, while South Africa will face England on March 1 in Karachi.

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