Champions Trophy Semi-Finals: South Africa Eyes Historic Knockout Triumph Over The kiwis

On Wednesday, the cricket caravan rolls into Lahore once again as South Africa gears up to face New Zealand in the tournament’s second semi-final. South Africa topped Group B, while New Zealand finished second in Group A. Notably, the South African team has been on a rapid journey traveling from Karachi to Dubai and then from Dubai to Lahore in just three days.

Originally, the first semi-final was scheduled in Dubai, with uncertainty over whether India would face Australia or South Africa. Had India maintained their runner-up spot, they would have met South Africa. However, once it was confirmed that India would take on Australia, South Africa was redirected from Dubai to Lahore.

In this tournament, South Africa has already beaten Afghanistan and England, though their match against Australia was marred by rain. Meanwhile, New Zealand has recorded wins over Pakistan and Bangladesh, despite suffering a loss against India.

Head-to-Head and Knockout Clashes

South Africa and New Zealand have met 11 times in ICC ODI tournaments. New Zealand has won seven of those encounters, while South Africa has clinched four victories. In the Champions Trophy, the record is balanced New Zealand lifted the trophy in 2006 and South Africa in 2009. However, in knockout matches, New Zealand has the upper hand. In their ICC World Cup clashes, New Zealand beat South Africa by 49 runs in the 2011 quarter-final and then won by six wickets in a thrilling 2015 semi-final.

The Lahore Pitch Factor

Despite the grueling travel schedule, South Africa is expected to enjoy playing in Lahore, thanks to the famous Patta pitch considered a haven for batsmen. This surface is set to favor teams with a strong batting lineup, and South Africa’s power-packed batting order is well-suited to the challenge. Lahore has also witnessed one of the most remarkable chases in tournament history, when Australia chased down 356 runs in response to England’s 351. New Zealand, too, will be keen to exploit the pitch, especially since the toss becomes crucial with evening dew potentially affecting the bowlers.

South Africa XI:

Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Eden Markram/Tristan Stabs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Note: Eden Markram’s fitness remains uncertain due to injury, with George Linde named as his cover. Meanwhile, captain Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock are fully fit and ready to lead the charge.

New Zealand XI:

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (Captain), Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, William O’Reilly