The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is in full swing, and cricket fans are eager to see which team will join India in the grand final. With high stakes and intense competition, all eyes are now on South Africa and New Zealand as they prepare for a gripping semi-final showdown. Set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, this encounter promises a battle of skill and nerves. Historically, the Proteas team and the Kiwi squad have faced each other 71 times in ODIs, with the record showing an almost even contest, making this clash even more exciting. Let’s see which team entertains the Lahori crowd with their stellar performances.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch the SA vs NZ live on Star Sports Network in India, Amazon Prime in Australia, and Ten Sports in Pakistan. The match will commence at 2:00 pm PST, 2:30 pm IST, 9:00 am GMT.
Team Analysis
South Africa’s batting lineup has been a dominant force in this tournament, powered by their top-order consistency and aggressive approach. Ryan Rickelton and Aiden Markram have provided solid starts, setting the tone for the middle order. Additionally, Rassie van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen have been exceptional in stabilizing the innings and accelerating when needed, making South Africa’s batting one of the most balanced in the competition. The finishing duties lie with David Miller, who has a history of delivering under pressure, making him a crucial asset in this knockout fixture. With this seasoned blend of experience and young talent, the African team can truly challenge the Kiwi bowlers, aiming to put together a hefty target on the scoreboard.
When it comes to spin, South Africa will rely heavily on their classy spin duo, Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj. Shamsi’s ability to deceive batters with his variations has been a game-changer, while Maharaj provides control in the middle overs. This spin pair will be critical, especially against New Zealand’s middle order, which has struggled against quality spin in the group stages of this global tournament. If these two spinners can work their magic in the middle overs, South Africa can put the Black Caps on the back foot and gain the upper hand.
On the other side, New Zealand’s campaign has been bolstered by the incredible form of Glenn Phillips. Phillips has been a standout performer with both bat and ball in the field, making him an invaluable asset for his team. His explosive batting style has given New Zealand the momentum in crucial moments, and his ability to turn games single-handedly makes him a key player. Additionally, his fielding has been nothing short of sensational as he made headlines with his flying catch in the last match against India—his sharp reflexes and athleticism have resulted in multiple game-changing moments. If Phillips fires in this match, South Africa will have a tough challenge ahead.
Lastly, the Kiwi bowling attack is best described as a balanced mix of pace and spin, making them a dangerous unit. Matt Henry and Nathan Smith lead the pace department with their ability to swing the ball early and strike in crucial moments. Meanwhile, Ish Sodhi’s wrist spin adds variety, complementing Mitchell Santner’s left-arm orthodox bowling. Their attack will be tested against South Africa’s batting firepower, but if they can find early breakthroughs, they can put pressure on the Proteas and control the game.
Conclusion
With both teams boasting match-winners, this semi-final is set to be a thrilling encounter for fans all around the world. Key players to watch include Rassie van der Dussen and Tabraiz Shamsi for South Africa, while Glenn Phillips and Tom Latham will be crucial for New Zealand.
