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The stage is set at the newly revamped Gaddafi Stadium for a high-stakes clash between New Zealand and South Africa in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Both teams, known for their ICC tournament heartbreaks, are eager to secure a spot in the finals against India on March 9 in Dubai.
South Africa enters the match with confidence, following impressive performances in the league stage, including a decisive seven-wicket win over England, where they chased down a target of 180 in just 29.1 overs. Meanwhile, New Zealand are looking to recover from their recent struggles against India, where their batting lineup failed to meet a target of 250, managing only 205.
New Zealand elects to bat first
In a strategic move, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first on what captain Mitchell Santner described as a “good, dry wicket.” The Black Caps have fielded an unchanged team, focusing on executing their game plan effectively.
South Africa, on the other hand, made a key change to their lineup with the return of skipper Temba Bavuma. Bavuma, who missed the previous match against England due to illness, replaces Tristan Stubbs, bringing leadership experience back into the fold.
Speaking at the toss, Bavuma expressed a desire to bat first but remained confident, stating, “We are not too concerned but the preference would have been to bat. Just one change, myself, I’m feeling much better.”
Notably, Aiden Markram, who led South Africa in Bavuma’s absence, has recovered from injury concerns, providing an additional boost for the Proteas as they eye a place in the final.
Also READ: SA vs NZ – Lahore Weather Forecast for the South Africa vs New Zealand, Semifinal 2 | Champions Trophy 2025
SA vs NZ: Playing XI of both teams
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
