New Zealand vs South Africa: Even Herschelle Gibbs, who has an outspoken opinion in the world of cricket, is finding it difficult to decide which team between New Zealand and South Africa will win the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. When he was asked about his opinion on this match on Tuesday, he simply said, “There is not much difference between these two teams.”
Gibbs, who is considered one of the most flamboyant analysts of cricket, usually speaks openly on any issue. But this time he also refrained from giving a clear answer. This shows how tough competition will be seen in this match to be held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.
The journey to the semi-finals
The journey of both New Zealand and South Africa has been almost the same. New Zealand has won four of its last five ODIs and lost only against India by 44 runs. At the same time, South Africa has registered two consecutive wins by defeating Afghanistan by 107 runs and England by seven wickets. However, before this they had lost three ODIs.
New Zealand’s victory in the recent clash
If we talk about the last clash, then both the teams came face to face on this ground 24 days ago. In that triangular series match, New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets. However, at that time many key players were not in the South African team, while the current New Zealand team remains almost the same.
Pitch and weather condition
The Lahore pitch is considered favorable for batsmen. Four of the five highest scores of this tournament have been made on this ground, which makes it clear that there can be a rain of runs here. The weather will be clear and the maximum temperature is likely to be 23 degrees Celsius.
New Zealand vs South Africa: Team combination and probable XI
New Zealand
Either Nathan Smith and Kyle Jamieson can be given a chance in the New Zealand team. Since Smith can contribute better in batting, he can be included in the final XI.
Probable XI:
Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa
The good news for the South African team is that Aiden Markram has become fit and will be available to play in this match.
Probable XI:
Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Who will make it to the semi-finals?
New Zealand’s strength: The Kiwi team has three key bowlers – Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke and Michael Bracewell, who are among the top 10 wicket-takers of this tournament.
South Africa’s strength: South Africa has bowlers like Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj, who are bowling at a great economy rate.
Batting lineup: Both New Zealand and South Africa have players who can change the course of the match. New Zealand’s Tom Latham and South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton are among the top 10 run scorers in this tournament.
The story of the semi-finals in figures
South Africa: Has reached the semi-finals every time in the last seven ICC tournaments.
New Zealand: Has won the knockout matches of the 2011 and 2015 World Cups against South Africa.
Champions Trophy history: South Africa won this trophy in 1998 and New Zealand in 2000.
Players’ opinion
Mitchell Santner (New Zealand captain):
“Nowadays the cricket schedule has become very busy. It has become difficult to balance between international and franchise cricket.”
Temba Bavuma (South Africa captain):
“Our trip to Dubai may not have been necessary, but the players enjoyed it. Some played golf, some went shopping and some made it a recovery day. But it will not affect our performance.”
Who will take the ticket to the final?
Both New Zealand and South Africa are ready to put their full strength in this match. Both have excellent batsmen and deadly bowlers. However, New Zealand has a psychological edge over South Africa in the previous knockout matches. On the other hand, South Africa will take the field with the intention of breaking this record on the basis of their excellent form and balanced team combination.
Now it remains to be seen which team creates history in this semi-final match in Lahore and secures its place in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025! source cricbuzz
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