Wed Mar 05 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## New Zealand Wins Toss, Elects to Bat in Crucial ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final Against South Africa
**Lahore, Pakistan** – New Zealand and South Africa are set to clash in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat first. This high-stakes match will determine who will face India in the final on March 9th, after India’s victory over Australia in the first semi-final.
Santner stated there were no changes to the New Zealand playing XI. South Africa, however, made one change, with Temba Bavuma returning to the team after recovering from illness. Bavuma, who is also the South African captain, expressed confidence in his team’s abilities, emphasizing the importance of executing their game plan and capitalizing on crucial moments.
**Playing XIs:**
**New Zealand:** Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
**South Africa:** Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (capt), Rasi van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wayne Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Early reports indicate a strong start for New Zealand, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson building a significant partnership before a breakthrough for South Africa. The match is expected to be closely contested, given the strength of both teams. The weather forecast predicts clear skies and sunny conditions in Lahore.
The match is a rematch of sorts, considering New Zealand’s victories over South Africa in the 2011 and 2015 World Cup knockout stages. Both teams have previously won the ICC Champions Trophy (then known as the ICC Knockout Trophy), with South Africa winning in 1998 and New Zealand in 2000. The outcome of this semi-final will be crucial in determining the eventual champion of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
First Piper 