South Africa will be playing against New Zealand in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. The Kiwis are eyeing their first Champions Trophy final appearance since 2009, while South Africa is seeking to end their drought, having last made it to the top clash in the tournament’s first edition in 1998.
South Africa comes into the semifinal without a loss, having beaten Afghanistan and England, and also had a rain-hit game against Australia. New Zealand, who gained entry after winning the Tri-Series and beating Bangladesh and Pakistan, lost their last league-stage match against India, where they found it tough against the spinners. Though, with conditions in Lahore likely to be better, both Proteas and Black Caps will look forward to returning and securing a place in the final.
SA Vs NZ, Champions Trophy Semifinal: Pitch Report
Gaddafi Stadium has been a run-scoring ground in this tournament, with perfect batting conditions. In the first game here, Australia chased a record 351 against England, and in the second game between Afghanistan and England, more than 600 runs were scored in total. With the surface being of such nature, batters are expected to take center stage, and hence it is a ground set for another run-fest in the semifinal.
SA Vs NZ, Champions Trophy Semifinal: Weather Forecast
Contrary to the rain-hit league game between Australia and Afghanistan, there is little chance of the Lahore weather spoiling the show. As per Accuweather, the day is likely to stay sunny and bright with temperatures staying around 20°C, a perfect scenario for unbroken cricket action.
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SA Vs NZ,Champions Trophy Semifinal : Full Squads
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.
