ICC Champions Trophy: Bavuma cautious ahead of opening Champions Trophy showdown with Australia

South African captain Temba Bavuma (34) stated on Monday that his team would not underestimate the world champions, Australia, despite their weakened bowling lineup.

The two former ICC Champions Trophy winners will face each other for the first time in the history of the tournament in Rawalpindi on Tuesday, both having secured victories in their opening matches in Group B.

Australia, who are without their fast-bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, successfully chased a challenging target of 352 runs against England in Lahore on Saturday.

This achievement marked the highest successful chase in the tournament's history since its inception in 1998.

Bavuma acknowledged Australia's strong track record in International Cricket Council (ICC) events.

"I mean any Australian outfit that comes together for an ICC event is always one that you don't take lightly," said Bavuma in a press conference.

Australia have won the Champions Trophy twice while they won the ODI World Cup for the sixth time in India two years ago. In addition they also won the Twenty20 World Cup in 2021.

"They don't have their mainstay bowling attack but I think their batters may be doing a little bit more than what they're accustomed to."

England amassed a total of 351 runs for the loss of 8 wickets, setting a new tournament record for the highest score, before Josh Inglis achieved his first century without being dismissed, securing a five-wicket victory.

Bavuma expresses optimism that his batters will capitalize on the inexperience of Australia's bowling attack.

"Probably within the bowling there's opportunities and I think if that presents itself on the day we'll definitely be looking to make use of that opportunity," said Bavuma.

South Africa effectively neutralized the renowned spin bowling of Afghanistan, accumulating 59 runs against the world-class Rashid Khan over 10 overs without taking a wicket.

Ryan Rickelton achieved his first ODI century, while Bavuma (58), Aiden Markram (not out on 52), and Rassie van der Dussen (52) played pivotal roles in setting a formidable total of 315-6 in Karachi.

Subsequently, they limited Afghanistan to 208 runs, securing victory in Group B.

Bavuma mentioned that Heinrich Klaasen is still in the process of recovering from an elbow injury that caused him to miss the opening match.

"We still have to assess his (Klaasen) fitness. Mainly he is batting and I guess him and the medical team they'll make a decision accordingly."

Bavuma expressed confidence that South Africa has a strong opportunity to end their ICC event drought, as the team has not secured a title since their victory in the Champions Trophy in 1998, which was previously known as the ICC Knock-Out tournament.

"Yeah, we're quite bullish about our chances. I think - as much as in the tri- series, we didn't have all our guys, it still was an opportunity for us to get info about conditions," said Bavuma.

South Africa lost both their matches in the tri-series that preceded the Champions Trophy, with seven of their top players missing.

"Fortunately, the guys who came in, they've come in on the back of some good cricket back home. Confidence is good and we're quite optimistic about our chances."

Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and New Zealand are in Group A. The top two teams from each Group will qualify for the semi-finals.