NZ vs SA Semi-Final 2025 | ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final South Africa vs New Zealand Match Preview, Playing XI, Weather, Pitch & Winning Predictions

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final: South Africa vs New Zealand – Match Preview, Playing XI & Predictions

A Thrilling Semi-Final Awaits Between South Africa and New Zealand

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is reaching its climax, and the second semi-final promises to be an electrifying battle as South Africa takes on New Zealand at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both teams have shown resilience and brilliance throughout the tournament, making this clash a must-watch for cricket fans.

With both teams eyeing a spot in the final, history, form, and conditions will play a massive role in determining the winner. Can South Africa break their semi-final jinx, or will New Zealand continue their dominance in ICC knockouts? Let’s dive into the match preview, team news, pitch conditions, and predictions.

Head-to-Head & Recent Form

South Africa and New Zealand have been fierce competitors in ICC tournaments. Historically, the Kiwis have had the upper hand in knockout matches, winning crucial encounters in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. However, South Africa boasts a more consistent record in ICC events, being the only team to qualify for the knockouts of the last seven global tournaments.

Recent Form:

• South Africa: WWLLL (Last five matches)

• New Zealand: LWWWW (Last five matches)

New Zealand comes into this match with strong momentum, having won four out of their last five ODIs, while South Africa has been inconsistent, losing three of their previous five. However, recent wins against England and Afghanistan have reignited the Proteas' confidence.

Playing Conditions: Pitch & Weather Report

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has been a paradise for batters throughout the tournament, with four of the top five highest totals being scored here. The average first-innings score in 2025 stands at 316.5, indicating that a high-scoring contest is likely. Bowlers, especially pacers, will need variations and accuracy to contain the flow of runs.

The weather forecast is clear, with no rain expected and a temperature of around 23°C, making it ideal for a full match. Dew might play a role in the second innings, favoring the chasing side.

Probable Playing XIs

South Africa (Probable XI)

1. Temba Bavuma (capt)

2. Ryan Rickelton

3. Rassie van der Dussen

4. Aiden Markram

5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk)

6. David Miller

7. Wiaan Mulder

8. Marco Jansen

9. Keshav Maharaj

10. Kagiso Rabada

11. Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand (Probable XI)

1. Will Young

2. Rachin Ravindra/Devon Conway

3. Kane Williamson (capt)

4. Daryl Mitchell

5. Tom Latham (wk)

6. Glenn Phillips

7. Michael Bracewell

8. Mitchell Santner

9. Matt Henry

10. Kyle Jamieson

11. Will O’Rourke

Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Team & Key Players

Top Picks for Fantasy Cricket

South Africa:

• David Miller: Known for his finishing ability, Miller has a history of delivering in big matches.

• Kagiso Rabada: The spearhead of the bowling attack, his ability to take wickets in powerplays and death overs makes him crucial.

• Heinrich Klaasen: A match-winner with the bat, his ability to dominate spin could be pivotal.

New Zealand:

• Kane Williamson: With an ODI average of 57.35 against South Africa, Williamson is the backbone of New Zealand’s batting.

• Matt Henry: One of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament, his ability to swing the new ball will be vital.

• Mitchell Santner: The captain and key all-rounder, his spin bowling could be a game-changer.

Fantasy Captain & Vice-Captain Picks:

• Captain: Kane Williamson / Heinrich Klaasen

• Vice-Captain: Kagiso Rabada / Rachin Ravindra

Match Prediction: Who Will Win

The contest is incredibly even, but the difference could come down to the spin department. New Zealand has the advantage with both Santner and Bracewell in their XI, whereas South Africa relies heavily on Keshav Maharaj. The pitch in Lahore has helped batters, but with dew in the second innings, the team batting second might have a slight advantage.

Winning Probability

• New Zealand: 52%

• South Africa: 48%

Interesting Facts & Trivia

• South Africa and New Zealand have each won the ICC Champions Trophy once, South Africa in 1998 and New Zealand in 2000.

• New Zealand has won 7 out of 11 encounters against South Africa in ICC events.

• South Africa is the only country to qualify for the knockouts of the last seven ICC events across all formats and age groups.

• Kane Williamson has scored back-to-back centuries against South Africa in ODIs.

Final Thoughts

This semi-final is expected to be a high-scoring thriller, with both teams evenly matched in terms of batting and pace bowling. However, the spin department gives New Zealand a slight edge. With a place in the final at stake, expect a tense and closely contested battle at the Gaddafi Stadium.