Wed Mar 05 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Wins Toss, Sets South Africa to Chase in Champions Trophy Semifinal

**Dubai, UAE** – New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first in their Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal clash against South Africa. The match marks a crucial encounter for both teams, neither of whom have had a stellar record in ICC tournament knockouts. While both nations have tasted Champions Trophy victory in the past, this match presents an opportunity to overcome recent struggles.

India secured their place in the final earlier, defeating Australia by 4 wickets. The winner of the New Zealand vs. South Africa match will face India in the final on March 9th in Dubai.

At the end of the first powerplay, New Zealand reached 56/1, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson at the crease. However, New Zealand lost their first wicket at 48 when Will Young was caught by Aiden Markram off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi. After five overs, New Zealand was 29/0. The South African bowling attack initially kept a tight leash, conceding only six runs in the first two overs.

The New Zealand team includes Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, and Will O’Rourke. South Africa will field Temba Bavuma (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wayne Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lungi Ngidi.

Spinners are expected to play a significant role on the slightly slow pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium, although it’s not expected to spin as much as in Dubai. Both teams boast strong batting lineups, experienced fielding units, and varied bowling attacks; South Africa perhaps having a slightly stronger bowling advantage in terms of variety.

New Zealand finished second in Group A behind India, while South Africa topped Group B ahead of Australia. The match is closely contested, with both sides evenly matched in most departments.

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