In the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa will take on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore tomorrow, i.e., March 5, at 2:30 PM IST.
Semi-final ready 🇳🇿💪#SAvNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/zPB0OZxdSX
— ICC (@ICC) March 4, 2025
The Proteas dominated Group B, going undefeated with wins against Afghanistan and England, besides a rain-affected encounter against Australia. Their most recent performance included a dominant seven-wicket win over England, where they successfully chased down a target of 180 in 29.1 overs. SA have been in excellent shape, with a strong combination of experienced players and rising talents. Temba Bavuma has been in top form, while Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller have been the pillars of their batting order. Furthermore, Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs have also provided consistency at the top. The all-round qualities of Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder provide balance to the team, while the devastating pace pair of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi can demolish any batting lineup. Keshav Maharaj‘s spin will also be crucial on the Lahore pitch.
The Black Caps finished second in Group A after beating Bangladesh and Pakistan but losing to India. However, NZ will bank on their previous wins in Lahore, especially over South Africa. Kane Williamson smashed a century the last time they met in February, and Devon Conway missed his by three runs. As a result, they want to keep up these high standards tomorrow as well. Overall too, the Kiwis have a track record of producing excellent performances in International Cricket Council (ICC) knockout games. Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell will lead the batting line, with Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell providing firepower in the middle. The pace attack, led by Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson, will seek to worry SA batters, while Mitchell Santner‘s spin might be vital in keeping the game under control in the middle overs.
Head-to-Head:
Both nations have faced each other 73 times in ODI format, of which, New Zealand have won 26 whereas South Africa prevailed on 42 occasions. Five matches also concluded without a result.
Where to Watch:
TV: Star Sports, Sports18
OTT: JioHotstar (Previously Disney+ Hotstar)