New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is near to an end with a lot of electrifying performances. The Second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa promises an exciting match. Mitchell Santner’s New Zealand will take on Temba Bavuma’s South Africa, both teams aiming for a spot in the grand finale.
Yesterday, India secured a thrilling victory, proving their dominance in the tournament. This win has set the stage for an intense final showdown, but the question remains—who will join them in the grand finale?
Will New Zealand’s big-match experience help them prevail, or will South Africa finally break their semi-final curse? Let’s analyze the key aspects of this high-stakes clash.
Match Details
- Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Semi-Final
- Date: March 5, 2025
- Time: 09:00 AM GMT / 02:00 PM Local Time
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Live Streaming: Hotstar, Sony Sports Network, and Jeetbuzz App
Key Strengths of Both Teams
New Zealand’s Strengths
- Strong Leadership: Mitchell Santner’s all-round capabilities and calm captaincy bring stability.
- Pace Attack: Matt Henry and Jacob Duffy provide a solid fast-bowling duo.
- All-Round Depth: With players like Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips, New Zealand has a balanced squad.
South Africa’s Strengths
- Powerful Batting Lineup: With Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa can set or chase big totals.
- Deadly Fast Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi bring express pace and wicket-taking ability.
- Momentum: South Africa dominated Group B and enters the semi-final with confidence.
Head-to-Head in ICC Tournaments
| Tournament | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 World Cup | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| 2015 World Cup Semi-Final | New Zealand | 4 wickets |
| 2011 World Cup | South Africa | 6 wickets |
| 2007 T20 World Cup | South Africa | 6 wickets |
New Zealand has been dominant in ICC knockout matches against South Africa, but the Proteas are determined to change history.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Kane Williamson vs Kagiso Rabada
Williamson is New Zealand’s batting anchor, but Rabada’s express pace could test him early.
2. Quinton de Kock vs Matt Henry
If de Kock fires, South Africa could post a big total. But Henry’s new-ball swing could trouble him.
3. Rassie van der Dussen vs Mitchell Santner
Van der Dussen is strong against pace, but Santner’s left-arm spin might trouble him.
4. Glenn Phillips vs Keshav Maharaj
Phillips can clear boundaries with ease, but Maharaj’s spin could slow him down.
Pitch Report & Conditions at Gaddafi Stadium
- Surface: Batting-friendly but slows down later.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 256-270 runs.
- Weather: Clear skies, no rain expected.
- Dew Factor: Chasing could be slightly easier under lights.
Expect a high-scoring game, with spinners playing a key role as the match progresses.
Predicted Playing XIs
New Zealand 🇳🇿 (Captain: Mitchell Santner)
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mitchell Santner (C) | Bowling Allrounder |
| Michael Bracewell | Batting Allrounder |
| Mark Chapman | Allrounder |
| Devon Conway (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Jacob Duffy | Bowler |
| Matt Henry | Bowler |
| Tom Latham (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Daryl Mitchell | Batting Allrounder |
| Will O’Rourke | Bowler |
| Glenn Phillips | Allrounder |
| Rachin Ravindra | Batting Allrounder |
| Nathan Smith | Allrounder |
| Kane Williamson | Top Order Batter |
| Will Young | Top Order Batter |
South Africa 🇿🇦 (Captain: Temba Bavuma)
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma (C) | Middle Order Batter |
| Corbin Bosch | Allrounder |
| Tony de Zorzi | Top Order Batter |
| Marco Jansen | Bowling Allrounder |
| Heinrich Klaasen (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler |
| Aiden Markram | Allrounder |
| David Miller | Middle Order Batter |
| Wiaan Mulder | Allrounder |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
| Ryan Rickelton (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Bowler |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Top Order Batter |
Match Prediction – Who Has the Edge?
- New Zealand’s Strengths: Strong leadership, all-round balance, excellent fielding.
- South Africa’s Strengths: Explosive batting, lethal pace attack, unbeaten momentum.
Prediction: South Africa slight favorites (55-45), but New Zealand’s ICC knockout experience makes it even.
South Africa has been the better team in the tournament, but New Zealand thrives in high-pressure games. Expect a thrilling finish!
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final will be a battle of nerves and skill. Will South Africa finally break their semi-final jinx, or will New Zealand once again rise to the occasion?
Adding to the drama, the final venue has been a topic of discussion. After the Victory of India, the ICC final match will no longer be held in Pakistan, the originally designated host country. Where the 2013 Champions will face one of the winning teams in Dubai Stadium. Now let’s see:
Can South Africa book their place in the final and get rid of the tag of Chokers?
Will New Zealand’s ICC knockout legacy continue?
We’ll find out soon! Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.
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