The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 involves South Africa facing New Zealand in the semifinal on March 5 in Lahore. South Africa is chasing their second title since 1998, while New Zealand aims for their second since 2000. The match features key players and statistics showing South Africa’s stronger position and betting odds favoring them.
South Africa is set to face New Zealand in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on March 5, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Proteas are aiming for their second Champions Trophy victory after previously winning the inaugural tournament in 1998. Meanwhile, New Zealand is seeking their second title since their success in 2000, following a recent defeat to India in the tournament.
Both teams are expected to field their strongest lineups, knowing the winner will move on to face either India or Australia in the finals. South Africa’s anticipated lineup includes Temba Bavuma (C), Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.
New Zealand’s expected players are Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Tom Latham (wk), Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, and Kyle Jamieson. This semi-final presents a chance for revenge for South Africa, who suffered a heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the 2015 ODI World Cup semifinal.
In terms of head-to-head statistics, South Africa leads the ODI encounters with 42 wins from 73 matches against New Zealand’s 26 victories and 5 matches ending in no result. Given the current form, South Africa appears to hold the upper hand, having won all group-stage games thus far while New Zealand needs to regain confidence after their recent loss.
According to the betting odds from Dafabet, South Africa is favored to win with odds of 1.82, while New Zealand’s odds stand at 2.11. Ultimately, this match is crucial for both teams, and South Africa, with their depth in batting, seems poised to take the victory and advance to the finals of the Champions Trophy.
In summary, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand promises to be an exciting encounter. South Africa, with a strong track record and consistent performance, is favored to win against a struggling New Zealand side. The match not only serves as a pivotal moment in both teams’ journeys in the tournament but also as a chance for South Africa to make amends for past defeats.
Original Source: www.sportingnews.com
