In semifinal-2 of 2025 ICC Champions League, South Africa will take on New Zealand on Wednesday. Unlike the match between India and Australia, which will be held in Dubai, this match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium. In fact, the mega final will also be held in Pakistan if India fails to win against Australia; otherwise, it will be held in Dubai if India qualifies for the final.
Team Form: New Zealand
Though New Zealand failed to beat India in their last game, it’s fair to say that they are one of the hottest teams on current form. In fact, the Kiwis have won nine times in the last 12 matches across all formats. They also won the tri-nation series against Pakistan and South Africa, winning every game.
New Zealand in last five ODIs: W W W W L
Team Form: South Africa
South Africa’s ride to the semifinal has been near perfect. They won twice in the three group-stage matches, with the other game being abandoned due to rain. After accumulating five points in three matches, the Proteas also topped Group B ahead of Australia.
South Africa’s biggest strength in this tournament is the variety in their bowling. Marco Jansen’s height gives him an added advantage, while Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ndidi are proven match winners at this level. Keshav Maharaj has been amongst the most consistent spinners in white-ball cricket. The batting unit is also loaded with match winners such as Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen.
South Africa in last five ODIs: L L L W W
What could be both teams’ strongest playing XI for this game?
South Africa vs New Zealand CT 2025 Semifinal 2: Match Details
- Teams: South Africa vs New Zealand
- Date and Time: Wednesday, March 05, @ 02:30 PM (IST)
- Stadium: Gaddafi Stadium
South Africa vs New Zealand Pitch Report, Toss Impact
Pitch Report: Lahore has predominantly been a balanced surface. Pacers with the new ball can trouble the batsmen, while spinners later on are also expected to rein in the batters. But overall, it’s a good pitch for a game of cricket.
Toss Impact: Playing conditions should remain more or less the same throughout the match.
ODI Stats at Gaddafi Stadium
| Total Matches | 76 |
| Won Batting First | 38 |
| Won Batting Second | 36 |
| No Result | 02 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | 220 |
| Highest Score | 375/3 |
| Lowest Score | 75/10 |
New Zealand vs South Africa CT 2025 Semifinal 2: Lahore Weather
Weather Report: It’s going to be a clear day as there’s no chance of rain in Lahore on Wednesday. So expect a full match between New Zealand and South Africa.
Related 8 Teams With Most ODI Wins In History
South Africa vs New Zealand CT 2025 Semifinal 2: Team News
- No injury concerns for either New Zealand or South Africa ahead of this game.
- But South Africa are likely to make some changes.
- Captain Temba Bavuma should come into the team after missing the match against England. He should replace Tristan Stubbs in South Africa’s playing XI.
Also Read: Jos Buttler steps down from England’s White Ball Captain Role
Players to watch out for in South Africa vs New Zealand CT 2025 SF-2
- Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa’s star wicket-keeper is arguably the most dangerous batter in the whole world. In a matter of few overs, he can change the course of the whole game. In the last game, Klaasen scored an unbeaten 64 off 56 balls against England.
- Matt Henry: With 8 wickets in three matches, Matt Henry is the leading wicket-taker in Champions Trophy 2025. He took a fifer against Indian team, which shows his immense skill-set with the new ball.
- Rassie van der Dussen: The 36-year-old South Africa is in red-hot form at the moment. He scored two half centuries in two matches in CT 2025. He has been a consistent performer for his team in ODIs. The veteran should be in your NZ vs SA Dream11 teams.
- Kane Williamson: New Zealand’s star batter holds the key for his team in this big game. He was slightly out of form of late, but his 81-run innings against India in the last match puts him in good stead for this high-octane game.
- Marco Jansen: The lanky fellow is surely going to have a big say in this game. His profile has been on the rise for some time now after some incredible performances with both bat and ball. In the last game, he picked up three wickets against England.
- Keshav Maharaj: Amongst the most consistent spinners in world cricket. He has a lot of variation in his bowling arsenal. On the Gaddafi Stadium pitch, Maharaj’s 10-over spell can be the difference maker.
- Mitchell Santner: New Zealand’s captain is another player who can play a big role in this game. His main skill-set might be with the ball, but as a batter, he can also match-winning innings.
Also Read: SA vs NZ Today Match Prediction and Betting Odds
SA vs NZ Expected Playing XIs
South Africa Probable Starting XI vs New Zealand:
- Ryan Rickleton
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- David Miller
- Aiden Markram
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ndidi
New Zealand Probable Starting XI vs South Africa:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Will O’Rourke
South Africa vs New Zealand squads for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch
New Zealand squad for ICC Champions Trophy: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young.
SA vs NZ Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Team
Follow Us on Instagram and X for regular updates.
