The highly anticipated semifinal match between South Africa and New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to take place on March 5 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

South Africa, led by captain Temba Bavuma, have been in excellent form, topping Group A with five points. They boast a strong batting lineup and a potent bowling attack, which has been performing well throughout the tournament. Key players such as Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are expected to play crucial roles in the match.

New Zealand, captained by Mitchell Santner, finished second in Group B with four points. Despite mixed results, they possess a talented squad capable of turning the tables on any given day. Kane Williamson, Devon Conway, and Glenn Phillips will be pivotal in the batting department, while Kyle Jamieson and Matt Henry will lead the bowling charge. The Black Caps are known for their ability to perform under pressure, making them a formidable opponent.

Match Details: ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Semifinal 2

• Date and Time: March 5, 02:30 pm (IST)/ 09:00 am (GMT)/ 01:00 pm (Local)
• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report:

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for its batting-friendly conditions, offering consistent pace and bounce. The pitch favours batters, particularly in limited-overs cricket, with minimal seam movement for fast bowlers. Spinners, especially leg-spinners, might find some assistance as the game progresses. The average first innings score in ODIs at this venue is around 253 runs, but recent Champions Trophy matches have seen even higher totals. Given the batting-friendly conditions, both teams might opt to bat first to set a commanding total. However, considering the potential dew factor in the evening, which can make it difficult for spinners to grip the ball, teams might also consider bowling first to exploit this condition.

SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeepers: Tom Latham, Heinrich Klaasen, Ryan Rickelton
• Batters: Kane Williamson, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Rachin Ravindra
• All-rounders: Glenn Phillips, Marco Jansen
• Bowlers: Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada

Also Read: India’s fate in Champions Trophy 2025 sealed! 7 shocking parallels from 2015 that could make Australia champion once again

SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Rachin Ravindra (c), Heinrich Klaasen (vc)
• Choice 2: Temba Bavuma (c), Tom Latham (vc)

SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder

SA vs NZ Dream11 Team for today’s match (March 5, 09:00 am GMT):

Squads:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Kyle Jamieson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Jacob Duffy, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Also Read: Michael Vaughan picks his favourite to win the Champions Trophy 2025

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