LAHORE (Kashmir English): New Zealand will take on South Africa today in the second semifinal of ICC Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.
Both previous Champions Trophy winners in 1998 and 2000 will lock horns to book their berth in the tournament final, where one of them will face defeat-less India.
Despite their talent, both teams have struggled to secure major ICC titles in recent years, with New Zealand finishing as runners-up in the last two ODI World Cups (2015, 2019) and the T20 World Cup (2021), and South Africa aiming to overcome their reputation for faltering in crucial matches.
Under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, New Zealand placed second in Group A, while South Africa, led by their strong performance, topped Group B.
The two teams are closely matched across various aspects of the game, though South Africa may have a slight edge in bowling diversity.
New Zealand, despite a recent loss to India, has shown resilience and capability, notably in their recent victory over South Africa in a tri-series.
Tom Latham, New Zealand’s top scorer so far, along with Kane Williamson’s return to form, boosts their batting lineup.
South Africa’s team, displaying formidable form, has shown depth in both batting and bowling, with key players in good form.
However, their recent one-day international record shows a series of losses, adding an element of unpredictability to their performance. The semifinal promises a closely contested match between these evenly matched sides.
South Africa squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen
New Zealand squad
Mitchell Santner (captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway (wicketkeeper), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young
