New Delhi: South Africa is set to face New Zealand in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. New Zealand aims to reach their first Champions Trophy final since 2009, while South Africa hopes to break their long absence from the final, having last participated in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1998.
South Africa enters the semifinal undefeated, having secured victories over Afghanistan and England, along with a rain-affected match against Australia. New Zealand qualified after winning the Tri-Series and defeating Bangladesh and Pakistan, but they faced a setback in their final league match against India, struggling against the spin bowlers. However, with the conditions in Lahore expected to improve, both teams will aim to advance to the final.
Pitch Report for SA vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy semifinal
Gaddafi Stadium has proven to be a high-scoring venue in this tournament, offering ideal conditions for batting. In the opening match, Australia successfully pursued a remarkable 351 runs against England, while the subsequent game between Afghanistan and England saw a combined total of over 600 runs. Given the favorable nature of the pitch, it is anticipated that batsmen will dominate, setting the stage for another high-scoring match in the semifinal.
Weather forecast for SA vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy semifinal
Unlike the rain-affected match between Australia and Afghanistan, the weather in Lahore is expected to be favorable. According to Accuweather, the day should be sunny and clear, with temperatures around 20°C, creating ideal conditions for uninterrupted cricket.
Squads for SA vs NZ ICC Champions Trophy semifinal
New Zealand Squad: Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Mark Chapman, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith.
South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Aiden Markram (capt), Tony de Zorzi, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, George Linde.
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