The first semifinal is done and dusted. It’s now time to move onto the next one, the second semifinal of ICC Champions Trophy 2025 which will be played between the Proteas i.e., South Africa and the Blackcaps i.e., New Zealand. This crucial game will be played at the Gaddaffi Stadium in Lahore on the 5th of March.
South Africa topped their group, i.e., Group B, with 2 wins and a no-result game from 3 matches. They defeated Afghanistan and England in their group stage, but the game against Australia was washed out due to persistent rains. Despite an abandoned game, South Africa was the most superior side in Group B.
New Zealand, on the other hand, had a terrific start to their campaign as they defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh quite convincingly in their opening two matches. However, their momentum hit a roadblock when they collided against India in Dubai and failed to chase 250. They finished Group A at the second spot with two wins and a loss from 3 games, and now have set their semifinal date with the Proteas.
Let’s move ahead and dive in to check what could be the possible playing XI of both these teams.
SA vs NZ Champions Trophy 2025: Predicted Playing XI
Before moving ahead in this article, let’s take a look at the probable playing XIs for both sides.
New Zealand Playing XI
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Kyle Jamieson
- Matt Henry
- William O’Rourke
Also Read: Jos Buttler steps down from England’s White Ball Captain Role
South Africa Playing XI
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram/Tristan Stubbs
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lunginsani Ngidi
Also Read: SA vs NZ Today Match Prediction and Betting Odds
SA vs NZ Key Points
- In the last 5 ODI meetings between the two sides, New Zealand have had the slight upper hand as they have won 3 out of the 5 contests.
- Last 5 ODIs have witnessed some mixed results for the Proteas. They have managed 2 wins, 2 losses and one game ended in no-contest.
- As far as New Zealand is concerned, they have dropped only one game from their last 5 ODIs.
SA vs NZ Team News
New Zealand Team News
- Despite a loss in the last game against India on a slow surface in Dubai, the Blackcaps are expected to field the same 11.
- With this match to be played on a good wicket for batters, changes are least expected to take place in the eleven.
- As of writing, there are no injury concerns in the camp.
South Africa Team News
- The South Africans have been hit with a major injury blow ahead of this game.
- Vice-captain Aiden Markram pulled up his right hamstring while fielding in the game against England and left the field immediately. He never returned to the ground and is expected to miss this game.
- The team management has already called up left-arm spinner George Linde as cover for Markram.
- Markram’s injury will open the door for Tristan Stubbs who will keep his place in the eleven from the last game, but will be batting at no 4. Besides Tristan Stubbs, South Africa have another batting option in left-hander Tony de Zorzi.
- Also, skipper Temba Bavuma who missed the last game due to illness is ready to go and will once again captain the side.
