NZ vs SA, Who will WIN 2nd Semifinal? Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report, Lahore Weather Forecast, and Strongest Playing11 Prediction
NZ vs SA Semifinal: After a mouth-watering contest between India and Australia, the stage is set for another thrilling clash between the other two semifinalists- it is time for New Zealand vs South Africa in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
New Zealand were slotted in Group A, along with India, host Pakistan, and Bangladesh. India topped the points table with three wins in three matches, while New Zealand ended up in second rank. They won against Pakistan and Bangladesh but couldn't get past India.
South Africa, on the other hand, won two games out of three, with one ending in a washout. They gathered commanding victories over Afghanistan and England, leading them to the top of the table.
NZ vs SA, Squads and Playing11s
New Zealand Squad: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O'Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Devon Conway, Mark Chapman, Nathan Smith
Probable Playing11: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O'Rourke
South Africa Squad: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi
Probable Playing11: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (capt), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
NZ vs SA, Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a paradise for batters throughout this Champions Trophy, with an impressive average scoring rate of 6.65. The pitch offers good pace and bounce, making stroke play easier. Fast bowlers may find little assistance from the deck, especially under hot conditions, and will have to rely on variations and hard lengths to make an impact.
Spinners, on the other hand, have accounted for around 39% of the wickets and are expected to find some turn, particularly in the second innings. Given the nature of the track, teams winning the toss might prefer to chase unless the pitch is unusually dry. Another high-scoring encounter is likely, as the flat surface continues to favor aggressive batting.
Gaddafi Stadium ODI Stats
Total Matches Played: 76
Matches Won Batting First: 38
Matches Won Chasing: 36
Average 1st Innings Score: 256
Record-Breaking Totals
Highest Team Total: 375/3 (50 Ovs) – Pakistan vs Zimbabwe (2015)
Lowest Team Total: 75/10 (22.5 Ovs) – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (2009)
Highest Successful Run Chase: 356/5 (47.3 Ovs) – Australia vs England (2025)
Lowest Total Successfully Defended: 170/8 (40 Ovs) – West Indies vs Pakistan (1980)
Individual Brilliance
Most Runs at the Venue: Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 1030 Runs
Highest Individual Score: Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) – 177 vs England (2025)
Most Sixes Hit: Shoaib Malik (Pakistan) – 18
Lahore weather Forecast
Lahore is set for a pleasant day on Wednesday, with clear skies and a maximum temperature of around 22-23 degrees Celsius. Last week's rain has given way to dry and sunny conditions, ensuring no interruptions for the semi-final clash. With ideal weather for cricket and no threat of showers, fans can expect an uninterrupted and thrilling contest on a batting-friendly surface.
NZ vs SA, Who Will Win?
New Zealand and South Africa are strong when it comes to comparison. Even on man-to-man marking, you won't be able to place one team above the other and this competition have made things more exciting.
One thing that gives an edge to New Zealand over South Africa is that New Zealand's performance in eliminators have been better than South Africa's, but not by a big lead. We saw how South Africa panicked in the ICC T20 World Cup final last year, losing a match from a winning situation. New Zealand never leave a chance; in fact, they don't need a second chance to make their way.
If New Zealand bat first, they are probably going to win the match and enter the final. However, there is no doubt about what South Africa can do with their explosive batting lineup.