South Africa’s Aiden Markram, center, follows the ball after playing a shot for six runs as Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz watches during the ICC Champions Trophy cricket match between Afghanistan and South Africa, in Karachi, Pakistan Friday, Feb. 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)
SA vs NZ Predicted Playing 11 Today Match, Semi-Final Champions Trophy 2025: With India waiting in the final, South Africa and New Zealand will lock horns in Lahore top see who joins them in the summit clash in Dubai. The Proteas remain unbeaten in the tournament with 2 wins while New Zealand’s perfect record was blighted by India in the last Group A clash on Sunday.
South Africa might have an edge in the match with their deep batting lineup expected to fire in the high-scoring Lahore pitch. New Zealand, meanwhile, will have to adjust to the Pakistan pitches after playing on the sluggish Dubai surface against India last week.
Aiden Markram to play
South Africa had been sweating over the fitness of Aiden Markram who had injured his right hamstring against England last week. They had also George Linde as a cover for the injured star but in a big relief for the Proteas camp, Markram was declared fit and available for selection for the crucial encounter against the Kiwis.
Kyle Jamieson to sit out
New Zealand might opt for a single change from their match against India and draft in Nathan Smith for Kyle Jamieson. Due to the match being played in a high-scoring venue, Smith who is a decent hand with the bat might get the nod over Jamieson.
South Africa vs New Zealand Predicted XI:
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke
