South Africa vs New Zealand Semi Final, Champions Trophy 2025 Pitch Report & Playing XIs (Source: AP)
South Africa and New Zealand will clash in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The winner of the match will face India in the final at the Dubai International Stadium. India defeated Australia by four wickets to qualify for the final.
New Zealand and South Africa have played terrific cricket in the tournament. South Africa defeated Afghanistan and England while their match against Australia was washed out. The Proteas topped Group B with five points. Meanwhile, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan but suffered a 44-run defeat to India in the last league game. New Zealand defeated South Africa in the preceding ODI series, but the team missed a few big guns who are back in the national team. This is set up for a great contest. Both New Zealand and South Africa do not have a great record in ICC event knockouts, and they'd look to change that, but beating India in the final would take a lot of effort in Dubai.
South Africa vs New Zealand Pitch Report
The surface would be good for batting, but the new balls could put the batters in trouble. The ball swung massively when Australia faced Afghanistan at the venue so expect another similar wicket where the first 10 overs will be crucial for the bowling team.
South Africa vs New Zealand Weather Report
Lahore witnessed heavy rains in the past days that also saw the game between Australia and Afghanistan being washed out. However, the weather looks clear for the semifinal with no threat of rain. The temperature will hover around the 20-degree mark. It's a bit cooler so there should be heavy dew in the evening.
Probable XIs
South Africa
Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke
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