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The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa enters the match brimming with confidence after an unbeaten run in the group stage, including a dominant 7-wicket win over England. On the other hand, New Zealand is looking to bounce back from their disappointing 44-run loss against India, where their batting faltered under pressure.
With both teams boasting strong line-ups, this clash will test their ability to perform under high-stakes conditions. Below is a detailed preview of the match, including team line-ups, pitch report, toss prediction, and fantasy team recommendations.
Match Details
| Match | RSA vs NZ (2nd Semi-Final) |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 5th March 2025 2:30 PM |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Format | One Day International |
| Key Players | RSA: Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada |
| NZ: Kane Williamson, Matt Henry |
Team Previews
South Africa Preview
South Africa has been clinical throughout the tournament, showcasing dominance with both bat and ball. Their top order, led by Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram, has provided solid starts, while Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen have delivered crucial runs in the middle order. Temba Bavuma’s leadership has been exemplary, anchoring the innings when required.
David Miller remains a reliable finisher, capable of accelerating in the death overs. The bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, has been equally impressive, consistently picking up early wickets and maintaining pressure. Keshav Maharaj’s spin adds variety, making South Africa a well-rounded unit.
New Zealand Preview
New Zealand faces a challenging task after their collapse against India. Despite Kane Williamson’s return to form, the middle order struggled to rotate the strike, leading to their downfall. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra must step up at the top, while Tom Latham and Daryl Mitchell need to stabilize the innings. Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell provide explosive firepower in the lower order.
The bowling department, however, remains a strength, with Matt Henry’s five-wicket haul and Kyle Jamieson’s pace offering hope. William O’Rourke and Mitchell Santner will play key roles in controlling the middle overs. New Zealand’s success hinges on their ability to adapt quickly to the flat batting conditions.
Favourite Team to Win Today’s Match
| Team | Reasons |
|---|---|
| South Africa | Strong batting depth, consistent bowling, recent form, and psychological edge. |
Why? : South Africa’s balanced team composition and recent performances give them the upper hand. Their batsmen are in excellent form, and their bowlers have consistently troubled opposition line-ups.
Fantasy Team XI
| Player | Role | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Rassie van der Dussen (c) | Batter | RSA |
| Kane Williamson (vc) | Batter | NZ |
| Ryan Rickelton | Batter | RSA |
| Heinrich Klaasen | Batter | RSA |
| Tom Latham (wk) | WK-Batter | NZ |
| Aiden Markram | All-Rounder | RSA |
| Glenn Phillips | All-Rounder | NZ |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler | RSA |
| Matt Henry | Bowler | NZ |
| Keshav Maharaj | Bowler | RSA |
| Marco Jansen | Bowler | RSA |
Explanation : This balanced XI includes top performers from both teams. Rassie van der Dussen leads the side, supported by Kane Williamson as vice-captain. The team features explosive batters, reliable all-rounders, and wicket-taking bowlers.
Suggested Captains and Vice-Captains
- Captain : Rassie van der Dussen (RSA) – In-form batter who thrives in crunch situations.
- Vice-Captain : Kane Williamson (NZ) – Experienced leader capable of anchoring the innings.
Players to Avoid
- Will Young (NZ) : Struggled for consistency in recent matches.
- Daryl Mitchell (NZ) : Failed to deliver impactful performances so far.
Probable Playing XIs
| South Africa | New Zealand |
|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram | Mitchell Santner (c), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson |
| Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen | Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell |
| Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi | Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
- Pitch Report : Flat batting-friendly track; average first-innings score ~316. Spinners may get some assistance later in the game.
- Weather Forecast : Clear skies with no rain expected; temperature ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
Toss Prediction
Both captains are likely to opt to bat first, given the flat surface and ease of scoring runs.
Winner Prediction
South Africa is predicted to win due to their superior batting depth, consistent bowling, and recent form.
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