South Africa & New Zealand Set for High-Scoring Thriller in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

Both Sides Eye Historic Final Spot in Lahore as Evenly Matched Battle Awaits

Lahore, March 5 – The stage is set for an enthralling semi-final clash as South Africa and New Zealand gear up for a high-scoring contest in Lahore. The two sides, often labeled as the best teams never to have won a World Cup, will battle it out for a place in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Both teams have reached this stage after strong performances in the group stage, and with batting-friendly conditions expected, the match is shaping up to be a run-fest. However, while both squads have potent fast-bowling attacks, the difference may come in the spin department, where New Zealand looks stronger with two frontline spinners, compared to South Africa's solitary Keshav Maharaj.

This encounter is more than just another semi-final—it's an opportunity for both teams to rewrite history and finally claim an ICC trophy, something that has eluded them for decades.

A Battle of the Uncrowned Champions

South Africa and New Zealand have often found themselves on the wrong side of history in major ICC tournaments. Despite producing world-class players and reaching multiple knockout stages, both sides have yet to lift a 50-over World Cup.

• New Zealand came agonizingly close in 2019, losing the final to England in controversial circumstances.
• South Africa’s history of heartbreak in ICC knockouts is well-documented, with their most recent failure coming in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final against Australia.

This Champions Trophy semi-final presents another chance for both teams to break their jinx and move one step closer to ICC glory.

"We’ll approach it as we normally would. We obviously want to play our best cricket, and we understand New Zealand will come with a certain challenge," said South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma.

"It's the semi-final, we want to play our best cricket, but we won’t be blowing it out of proportion," he added, downplaying any extra pressure on his team.

Evenly Matched Squads, But Spin Could Be the Decider

While both South Africa and New Zealand boast strong pace attacks, their approaches to spin bowling are markedly different.

South Africa’s spin strategy:

• Relying solely on Keshav Maharaj as their frontline spinner.
• Maharaj sees his role as more defensive, focusing on economy rather than wicket-taking.

New Zealand’s spin advantage:

• Featuring two quality spinners in Mitchell Santner (captain) and Michael Bracewell.
• Santner, an all-rounder, adds depth to the batting lineup while also controlling the middle overs.
• Bracewell offers an attacking spin option, capable of breaking partnerships.

The contrasting spin strategies could play a crucial role, particularly if the Lahore pitch offers turn, making New Zealand’s dual-spin attack a potential game-changer.

Key Players to Watch

David Miller (South Africa) – The Big-Game Player

Could this be the last ODI tournament for South Africa’s finisher-in-chief? At 35, David Miller remains one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in world cricket, and he has consistently delivered in knockout matches.

• In the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, Miller’s brilliant century gave South Africa a fighting chance despite a shaky start.
• In the 2024 T20 World Cup, he was looking set to take South Africa to the final before a stunning boundary catch ended his innings.

With limited opportunities in this tournament so far, Miller will be determined to leave his mark on another ICC knockout match.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – The Master Anchor

At 34, Kane Williamson remains the heart of New Zealand’s batting lineup, and his record against South Africa is phenomenal.

• Back-to-back ODI centuries against the Proteas, including 106 in the 2019 World Cup and 133 in the recent Pakistan tri-series**.
• Averaging 57.35 against South Africa—his best record against any opponent except Zimbabwe.

With New Zealand boasting power-hitters like Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell, Williamson’s ability to anchor the innings and rotate strike against South Africa’s pacers will be key.

Form Guide & Road to the Semi-Finals

South Africa: WWLLL (last five matches)
New Zealand: LWWWW (last five matches)

South Africa’s dominant wins over Afghanistan and England were overshadowed by a string of losses leading into this tournament, raising concerns about their ability to handle pressure.

New Zealand, on the other hand, have shown better consistency, winning four of their last five completed matches.

Both teams traveled from Dubai to Lahore at different times on Monday and will look to quickly adapt to the conditions.

Predicted Playing XIs & Team Updates

South Africa (Expected XI)

1️⃣ Temba Bavuma (C)
2️⃣ Ryan Rickelton
3️⃣ Rassie van der Dussen
4️⃣ Aiden Markram (if fit) / Tony de Zorzi
5️⃣ Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
6️⃣ David Miller
7️⃣ Wiaan Mulder
8️⃣ Marco Jansen
9️⃣ Keshav Maharaj
 Kagiso Rabada
1️⃣1️⃣ Lungi Ngidi

Injury Update: Bavuma and de Zorzi have recovered from illness and are available. Aiden Markram is undergoing a fitness test due to a hamstring injury.

New Zealand (Expected XI)

1️⃣ Will Young
2️⃣ Rachin Ravindra / Devon Conway
3️⃣ Kane Williamson (C)
4️⃣ Daryl Mitchell
5️⃣ Tom Latham (WK)
6️⃣ Glenn Phillips
7️⃣ Michael Bracewell
8️⃣ Mitchell Santner
9️⃣ Matt Henry
 Kyle Jamieson
1️⃣1️⃣ Will O’Rourke

Selection Dilemma: New Zealand must decide between Conway or Ravindra, as both have been in good form but only one is likely to play.

Pitch & Conditions in Lahore

Batting paradise! Lahore has seen five ODIs in 2025 with an average first-innings score of 316.5.

Fast bowlers will struggle on a surface that has offered little assistance.

Weather forecast: No rain expected, mild and clear conditions.

With such high-scoring conditions, expect fireworks from both batting lineups!