Champions Trophy: Unchanged NZ Choose to Bat First Against Bavuma's South Africa
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Synopsis
In the second semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy held at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa. This crucial match will determine who faces India in the championship game.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand won the toss and will bat first.
- Mitchell Santner's team remains unchanged from their last match.
- Temba Bavuma returns as captain for South Africa.
- The winner will face India in the final.
- This is the last game of the tournament in Pakistan.
Lahore, March 5 (NationPress) New Zealand has won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa in the second semi-final of the 2025 Champions Trophy at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
The victor of this match will compete against India in the championship match in Dubai on Sunday. This will also mark the final game of the tournament held in Pakistan. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner announced that his playing eleven remains unchanged from their previous 44-run defeat to India in Dubai.
“It seems like a good pitch, a bit dry. I feel privileged to lead my country, and our aim is to play excellent cricket. The last match was in unfamiliar conditions, but we have had some experience here in the tri-series. We will strive to play well and exert pressure on them,” he stated.
South Africa will be led by Temba Bavuma, who returns after missing the last match against England due to illness. Bavuma replaces Tristan Stubbs, while Aiden Markram keeps his spot after recovering sufficiently from a hamstring injury sustained during the victory over England.
“We’re not overly worried, although we would have preferred to bat first. Our bowlers need to perform well, and then our batters must deliver. I’m feeling significantly better. We have learned lessons from previous semi-finals and finals. Winning key moments is crucial. We are working hard and have built a lot of confidence; this is just another game for us, regardless of it being the semi-final,” he mentioned.
Playing XIs
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (captain), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and William O’Rourke
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi
