The 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 promises an intense showdown as South Africa takes on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Both teams have shown strong performances in the group stage, and with a place in the final at stake, expect a high-pressure battle between two well-balanced sides.
South Africa vs New Zealand Match Info
- Match: RSA vs NZ, 2nd Semi-Final (B1 v A2), ICC Champions Trophy, 2025
- Date: Wednesday, March 05, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM
- Venue:Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
ICC Champions Trophy, 2025 – Points Table
Group B Mat Won Lost Tied NR Pts NRR
South AfricaSouth Africa (Q) 3 2 0 0 1 5 +2.395
AustraliaAustralia (Q) 3 1 0 0 2 4 +0.475
AfghanistanAfghanistan (E) 3 1 1 0 1 3 -0.990
EnglandEngland (E) 3 0 3 0 0 0 -1.159
Group A Mat Won Lost Tied NR Pts NRR
IndiaIndia (Q) 3 3 0 0 0 6 +0.715
New ZealandNew Zealand (Q) 3 2 1 0 0 4 +0.267
BangladeshBangladesh (E) 3 0 2 0 1 1 -0.443
PakistanPakistan (E) 3 0 2 0 1 1 -1.087
Team Form & Performance Overview
South Africa – Road to the Semi-Final
South Africa enters the semi-finals as Group B winners, displaying a solid overall performance. They won two matches convincingly, but a washed-out game against Australia prevented them from securing a perfect record. Their only loss came against Pakistan, but they bounced back strongly against Afghanistan and England.
Last 5 Matches (L L W A W)
✅ March 01, 2025 – Defeated England by 7 wickets (125 balls remaining)
🟡 February 25, 2025 – Match abandoned vs Australia
✅ February 21, 2025 – Defeated Afghanistan by 107 runs
❌ February 12, 2025 – Lost to Pakistan by 6 wickets
❌ February 10, 2025 – Lost to New Zealand by 6 wickets
📌 Key Takeaways:
- South Africa’s batting lineup is solid, with Bavuma, Markram, and Klaasen in good form.
- Strong pace attack featuring Rabada, Jansen, and Ngidi gives them an edge in bowling.
- Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Shamsi could play a key role against New Zealand’s middle order.
New Zealand – Road to the Semi-Final 🏏
New Zealand has been consistent throughout the tournament, with two wins in the group stage and a solid recent record. Their only loss came against India, but they have otherwise dominated opponents, including a comfortable victory over South Africa in the group stage.
Last 5 Matches (W W W W L)
❌ March 02, 2025 – Lost to India by 44 runs
✅ February 24, 2025 – Defeated Bangladesh by 5 wickets (23 balls remaining)
✅ February 19, 2025 – Defeated Pakistan by 60 runs
✅ February 14, 2025 – Defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets (28 balls remaining)
✅ February 10, 2025 – Defeated South Africa by 6 wickets (8 balls remaining)
📌 Key Takeaways:
- New Zealand’s batting lineup has been in good form, with Williamson, Conway, and Phillips leading the charge.
- Strong all-round balance, with contributions from Santner, Bracewell, and Jamieson.
- Spin attack could be a key factor, with Santner and Ravindra playing crucial roles.
Head to head Last 5 Matches
- New Zealand won by 6 wickets (with 8 balls remaining)
- South Africa won by 190 runs
- New Zealand won by 4 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
- South Africa won by 6 wickets (with 106 balls remaining)
- New Zealand won by 7 wickets (with 30 balls remaining)
📌 New Zealand holds the edge in recent matchups, winning 3 of the last 5 encounters.
South Africa Squad Playing:
Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
New Zealand Squad Playing:
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, William ORourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson
Key Players to Watch
South Africa 🇿🇦
🔹 Temba Bavuma (c) – A steady top-order batter capable of anchoring the innings.
🔹 Heinrich Klaasen – A powerful middle-order batter who can accelerate the run rate.
🔹 Kagiso Rabada – The leader of South Africa’s pace attack, crucial in the powerplay and death overs.
🔹 Tabraiz Shamsi – A quality spinner who can trouble New Zealand’s batters in the middle overs.
New Zealand 🇳🇿
🔹 Kane Williamson – The backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, experienced in handling pressure.
🔹 Devon Conway – A solid top-order batter who can build a big innings.
🔹 Mitchell Santner (c) – Captain and an all-rounder who can make an impact with both bat and ball.
🔹 Kyle Jamieson – A tall fast bowler who can generate bounce and trouble the batters.
Pitch & Conditions Report
The Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, offers a batting-friendly wicket with some assistance for spinners.
- High-scoring pitch, especially under lights.
- Pacers get movement early, but spinners play a key role in middle overs.
- Chasing teams have had success due to dew in the second innings.
📌 Expected 1st innings score: 280-310 runs
Match Prediction & Betting Tips
📌 Why South Africa has the upper hand:
✔ Stronger bowling attack – Rabada, Ngidi, and Jansen provide a lethal pace trio.
✔ Powerful middle-order hitters – Miller, Klaasen, and Markram can accelerate quickly.
✔ Spinners suited for Lahore conditions – Maharaj and Shamsi will be key in the middle overs.
📌 Why New Zealand could win:
✔ Better head-to-head record – New Zealand has won 3 of the last 5 matches.
✔ Williamson’s experience in knockout games – A proven match-winner in high-pressure situations.
✔ Balanced squad with all-rounders – Santner, Bracewell, and Ravindra provide depth in both batting and bowling.
Prediction: South Africa to Win
While both teams have performed well, South Africa’s superior bowling attack and match-winners in the middle order give them a slight edge. If New Zealand’s top order fails, it will be tough for them to recover against South Africa’s pace attack.
Final Verdict: South Africa to win by 20-40 runs or 3-5 wickets.
Betting Tips & Best Markets 🎯
✔ Top Batter (South Africa) – Aiden Markram or Heinrich Klaasen 🏏
✔ Top Batter (New Zealand) – Kane Williamson or Devon Conway 🏏
✔ Top Bowler (South Africa) – Kagiso Rabada or Tabraiz Shamsi 🎯
✔ Top Bowler (New Zealand) – Mitchell Santner or Kyle Jamieson 🎯
✔ Total Runs Over 280+ – Likely a high-scoring game 📊
✔ Most Sixes – South Africa (Klaasen and Miller provide firepower) 🔥
Final Thoughts
The 2nd Semi-Final between South Africa and New Zealand is expected to be a tightly contested match. While New Zealand has a better head-to-head record, South Africa’s stronger bowling lineup and middle-order power hitters give them the edge. However, if Williamson and Conway deliver, New Zealand could spring a surprise.
📌 Expect a close contest with South Africa slightly favored! 🏏🔥
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