NZ vs SA Preview: Lahore set for a blockbuster semi-final

New Zealand and South Africa will face off in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, March 5, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Both teams have a history of falling short in major ICC events and will be looking forward to taking a step closer to the gold. The Mitchell Santner-led side finished second in Group A behind India, while Temba Bavuma’s South Africa topped Group B after registering two wins.

The Blackcaps have been brilliant in all the departments, with Tom Latham leading their run charts (187 runs) and Kane Williamson returning to form with a crucial 81 against India. Matt Henry has been their pick of the bowlers, topping the list of wicket-takers with eight scalps, while Will O’Rourke has been a great support. New Zealand’s spin attack, featuring Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips, and Mark Chapman, could be crucial on the slower Lahore surface.

South Africa, despite a strong squad, has had concerns over their recent form, losing eight of their last 13 ODIs. Ryan Rickelton’s century and their potent bowling lineup, including Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, give them an edge. However, injuries to Aiden Markram and struggles in crunch ICC games could be a factor. The Proteas in the head-to-head records have won 25 out of the 73 ODI games.

Pitch Report

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a batting paradise in the ongoing competition. With an average scoring rate of over 6, the track has consistently favoured the batters. Seam movement has been minimal, but pacers might extract some bounce. Spinners, however, will find little help, making life easier for batters. The venue has already seen several high-scoring clashes, with an average first-innings total of 338.

Probable Playing XIs

New Zealand: Tom Latham (wk), Will Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryll Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tony de Zorzi/Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi