SA vs NZ: The anticipation is growing as the second semi-final of the current Champions Trophy 2025 will be played between South Africa and New Zealand. The nail-biting game will be played at the famous Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 5, with the first ball to be bowled at 2:30 PM IST. Both sides have been in great nick all along during the tournament, and this game is sure to be a close-fought race for a final berth.
Match Details: SA vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025
– Match: SA vs NZ, 2nd Semi-Final
– Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
– Date and Time: Wednesday, March 5, 2:30 PM IST
– Live Broadcast & Streaming: Star Sports Network & JioHotstar
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Head-to-Head Record: SA vs NZ
– Total Matches Played: 73
– New Zealand Wins: 26
– South Africa Wins: 42
– Tied Matches: 1
– No Result: 5
Head-to-head records play in favor of South Africa, but New Zealand has never been an easy team to beat, and this game could also be a toss-up. Both teams possess the experience and strength to secure the win, which makes this an interesting match.
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore: Pitch Report SA vs NZ
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is likely to be batsman-friendly, with good bounce and a quick outfield. This will make the ground suitable for high-scoring matches. Although the pitch will offer some help to spinners in the middle overs, they will not get much meaningful turn. Hence, captains who win the toss may decide to bat first, hoping to score heavily.
Likely Playing XIs
South Africa (SA):
1. Rian Rickelton (wicketkeeper)
2. Tristan Stubbs
3. Temba Bavuma (captain)
4. Rassie van der Dussen
5. Aiden Markram
6. David Miller
7. Wiaan Mulder
8. Marco Jansen
9. Keshav Maharaj
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand (NZ):
1. Will Young
2. Devon Conway
3. Kane Williamson
4. Rachin Ravindra
5. Tom Latham (wicketkeeper)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner (captain)
9. Matt Henry
10. Kyle Jamieson
11. William O’Rourke
Key Players to Watch: Best Batter and Best Bowler SA vs NZ
Probable Best Batter: Ryan Rickelton (South Africa)
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Ryan Rickelton has been in top shape all through the Champions Trophy, particularly as an opening batsman for South Africa. In the two games he has played so far, he has scored 130 runs, maintaining a stunning average of 65 and a strike rate of 99.24.
His regular performances at the top will play a pivotal role in South Africa’s semi-final prospects. Considering his current run of form, Rickelton can very likely be the star batter of this match.
Most Likely Best Bowler: Matt Henry (New Zealand)
The Kiwi pacer Matt Henry is arguably one of the most potent bowlers of this tournament. His display against India, in which he took five wickets, was the pick of the match, and New Zealand would look to repeat a similar show with him in the semi-final.
Henry’s skills in hitting the ball around the park and grabbing important wickets during the powerplay overs are a big threat for South Africa. Look forward to Henry being the front-runner of the bowling attack and taking a leading role in New Zealand’s fight to win.
Match Prediction: Can New Zealand Win?
Though both sides are favorites to win, the match prediction is in favor of New Zealand, considering recent performances and key players’ performances.
Scenario 1: New Zealand Wins the Toss and Decides to Bat
– New Zealand’s Powerplay Score: 60-70 runs
– 1st Innings Total: 270-280 runs
– Result: New Zealand wins
In this case, South Africa will be defending a tough target, and New Zealand’s deep batting order might be too much for the Proteas. If New Zealand scores a total between 270-280, it will be a tough chase, even for a side as powerful as South Africa as they are known for choking in the knockouts.
Scenario 2: South Africa Wins the Toss and Decides to Bat
– South Africa’s Powerplay Score: 60-70 runs
– 1st Innings Total: 280-310 runs
– Result: South Africa wins
When South Africa bats first, they are expected to set a target in the range of 280-310. With their strong middle-order batsmen, they will put pressure on New Zealand’s bowlers. If they manage to put up a fighting total, they can defend the same with ease, courtesy of the firepower in the bowling from Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, etc.
A Tight Contest Awaits
Although South Africa has a marginally superior head-to-head record, New Zealand’s overall strength and momentum give them a slight edge in this game. With the likes of Matt Henry and Kane Williamson at the helm, the Kiwis are well-equipped to mount a strong challenge. But South Africa cannot be ruled out, and if their top-order clicks, they might just snatch the game from New Zealand.
In summary, it seems New Zealand has the upper hand in this battle, but the unpredictability of the Champions Trophy will ensure that anything can happen on match day. Cricket lovers will be treated to an exciting match between two of the greatest teams in international cricket.
ALSO READ: Champions Trophy 2025 IND vs AUS: India Reaches Final With Virat’s Clinching Knock
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