NEW DELHI: Loaded with world-class talent but often labeled as underachievers in major ICC events, New Zealand and South Africa will face off in an evenly-matched second semifinal of the Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday.
Both teams have won the tournament once, with South Africa emerging victorious in 1998 and New Zealand in 2000, when it was known as the ICC Knockout Trophy.
While South Africa aims to shed their "chokers" tag in big tournaments, the Kiwis are equally desperate to claim a major title after finishing as runners-up twice in the ODI World Cup (2015 and 2019) and once in the T20 World Cup (2021).
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand finished second in Group A, while South Africa topped Group B ahead of Australia.
The two sides are evenly matched in most departments, but South Africa hold a slight edge in bowling due to their variety. Both teams boast formidable batting lineups and quality fielders, but the contest is expected to be decided by the spinners on the slower pitches in Lahore.
New Zealand will draw confidence from their recent tri-series win over South Africa and Pakistan in Lahore, where they successfully chased down 305 against the Proteas. Senior batter Tom Latham believes these experiences will hold them in good stead.
For New Zealand, Latham has been the standout performer with 187 runs, while Kane Williamson's return to form with an 81 against India is a positive sign. Matt Henry leads the bowling attack with eight wickets, supported by Will O'Rourke's six scalps.
South Africa boast a prolific squad, with Ryan Rickelton in ominous form with a century under his belt. Their bowling attack, featuring the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj, looks impressive.
However, their recent form, with eight losses in their last 13 ODIs, raises concerns despite their formidable lineup.
South Africa vs New Zealand Live Streaming: Where to Watch the SA vs NZ Match Online & on TV
The match will be live-streamed on JioHotstar and broadcast on Star Sports Network.
South Africa vs New Zealand Predicted XI: Expected Eleven for Both Teams
South Africa Predicted XI: Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
New Zealand Predicted XI: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Kyle Jamieson.
When is the South Africa vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match?
The match is scheduled to begin at 2:30 pm IST, while the toss will take place at 2 pm on March 5, Wednesday.
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