Champions Trophy: Can New Zealand pip South Africa in semi-final?
What's the story
New Zealand will take on South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy on March 5. The match will be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This clash is a defining moment for both teams as they look to break their jinx of underachieving in big tournaments. Both teams have won this tournament once before when it was called the ICC Knockout Trophy. Here we present the match preview.
Details
Pitch conditions and streaming details
The weather forecast for the match day predicts light rain with temperatures around 19°C. The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known to be batting-friendly, particularly favoring pace bowlers, and averages a first-innings score of 302 runs. Hence, the toss-winning captain is likely to elect batting first. The match be live televised on Star Sports Network while Jiostar will provide the live streaming (2:30pm IST).
Path
Teams' journey to semifinal
New Zealand finished second in Group A, behind India, while South Africa topped Group B, ahead of Australia. Despite their past successes, both teams haven't tasted glory in major tournaments. South Africa's recent form has also raised concerns as they have lost eight of their last 13 ODIs. Meanwhile, both teams have won this tournament once before when it was called the ICC Knockout Trophy - South Africa in 1998 and New Zealand in 2000.
NZ
NZ's sensational spin attack
Both teams seem evenly matched in most departments, although South Africa have a slight edge in bowling variety. New Zealand's batting is spearheaded by Tom Latham and Kane Williamson, who have been among the runs. Matt Henry leads the tournament's bowling charts with eight wickets, backed by Will O'Rourke's six. The Kiwis also have a strong spin attack comprising Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Ravindra, and Glenn Phillips.
SA
South Africa's batting and bowling prowess
South Africa have a strong squad with Ryan Rickelton's century against Afghanistan underlining their batting prowess. Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen are the other key batters. The Proteas's bowling unit features Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj. Meanwhile, the injured Aiden Markarm is uncertain for this game as George Linde has been called up as his cover.
H2H
NZ vs SA: Head to head record
New Zealand and South Africa have met each other in 73 ODI clashes, with South Africa owning the superior record over the Kiwis. The Proteas have won 42 games in comparison to NZ's 26 victories. Five matches have ended inconclusively. The two teams have met twice in CT and have registered one win apiece. Earlier this month, the two teams met in Lahore for a tri-series match. The Kiwis recorded a six-wicket win.
XIs
Here are the predicted XIs
South Africa (Predicted XI): Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram/Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi. New Zealand (Predicted XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke.
Stats
Key players for NZ-SA clash
While Ryan Rickelton starred with a ton in SA's opener, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Markram made half-centuries. Rassie managed a fifty against England as well. Heinrich Klaasen has scored a fifty in each of his last five ODIs. Will Young, Tom Latham, and Rachin Ravindra are NZ's centurions in this competition. Matt Henry took five wickets in his last outing. William O'Rourke took four wickets against Bangladesh.
Poll
