Preview: The Kiwis have played a tactical brand of cricket in the prestigious event for which they are renowned. The side finished second in Group A, winning two out of three games. Their wins came against Pakistan (by 60 runs) and Bangladesh (by five wickets), respectively. Their sole defeat came at the hands of India by 44 runs in their last league game in Dubai. However, the side will be putting that defeat behind their back and be looking forward to the upcoming game. In the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, which was held ahead of the Champions Trophy, the Mitchell Santner-led side had faced the Proteas at this very ground and defeated them by six wickets.
On the other hand, the South African side has made its way through to the next round of the tournament convincingly. In the group stage, the team registered two wins and one game ended without a result against Australia. The side finished with five points and is in a good space. However, the team is struggling with some injury concerns as on the eve of the clash, George Linde was called up as the cover for star batter Aiden Markram, who injured his right hamstring in the field against England. Meanwhile, skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi have recovered in time from illness and are expected to play in the upcoming game.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025, 2nd Semi-Final Match, SA vs NZ
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date & Time: Wednesday, March 5, 02:30 PM
Pitch Report: The Gaddafi Stadium has played host to a couple of high-scoring clashes in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. There has been even bounce on the surface, and the margin for error is very little for the bowlers. Batters can score a lot of runs if they are willing to spend time in the middle. The average first innings score is 338. The team winning the toss will be looking to bowl first.
PROBABLE PLAYING XI
South Africa (SA)- Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand (NZ)- Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke
