The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will witness a thrilling clash between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on March 5, 2025, at 2:30 PM IST. Both teams have performed exceptionally well in the tournament, making this a highly anticipated knockout match.
Match Details
| Match | New Zealand vs South Africa, Semi-final 2 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, March 5, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST / 09:00 AM GMT |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network, JioHotstar |
Match Preview
South Africa’s Performance
South Africa have remained undefeated in the tournament so far, showcasing dominance in both batting and bowling. The Proteas secured two wins in their group-stage matches, while their match against Australia was abandoned due to rain. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, has been lethal, and their batting unit looks solid with Heinrich Klaasen and Rassie van der Dussen in top form.
New Zealand’s Performance
New Zealand finished second in Group A, winning two out of three matches. They secured victories against Pakistan (by 60 runs) and Bangladesh (by five wickets) but lost to India by 44 runs. Their bowling attack, led by Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry, has been effective, and their batting lineup, featuring Tom Latham and Kane Williamson, has been steady throughout the tournament.
NZ vs SA Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
| Teams | Matches Played | Matches Won |
| South Africa | 73 | 42 |
| New Zealand | 73 | 26 |
| No Result | – | 5 |
Pitch & Weather Report
| Factor | Details |
| Temperature | 20-22°C |
| Weather Forecast | Clear skies, 40% humidity, 0% chance of rain |
| Pitch Behavior | Batting-friendly, good bounce, ideal for shot-making |
| Average 1st innings score | 302-338 |
| Winning % (Chasing team) | 35-48% |
Pitch Analysis:
- The Gaddafi Stadium has hosted several high-scoring games.
- The pitch offers even bounce, favoring batters.
- Pacers and spinners will need to be strategic.
- The team winning the toss might prefer to bowl first.
Read Also: SA vs NZ Head to Head record in Champions Trophy
NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction: Playing 11s (Predicted)
South Africa (SA) Playing 11:
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma (C)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram
- Heinrich Klaasen (WK)
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand (NZ) Playing 11:
- Rachin Ravindra
- Will Young
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (WK)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (C)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
Top Fantasy Cricket Picks for NZ vs SA Dream11
Captaincy Picks
- Heinrich Klaasen (SA) – In-form batter, known for aggressive stroke play.
- Rachin Ravindra (NZ) – Key all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball.
Vice-Captaincy Picks
- Kane Williamson (NZ) – Experienced batsman, anchors innings well.
- Marco Jansen (SA) – Lethal left-arm pacer, handy lower-order batter.
Top Picks
- Tom Latham (NZ) – Fourth-highest run-scorer in the tournament.
- Matt Henry (NZ) – Leading wicket-taker, effective in powerplay overs.
- Kagiso Rabada (SA) – Key fast bowler, excels in crucial matches.
Budget Picks
- Ryan Rickelton (SA) – Reliable opening batsman, steady starts.
- Glenn Phillips (NZ) – Hard-hitting middle-order batter, part-time off-spinner.
Dream11 Fantasy Teams for NZ vs SA
Dream11 Small League Team
| Position | Player |
| Wicket-keepers | Heinrich Klaasen, Tom Latham |
| Batters | Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra (C), Rassie van der Dussen |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen (VC), Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell |
| Bowlers | Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj |
Dream11 Grand League Team
| Position | Player |
| Wicket-keepers | Heinrich Klaasen (C), Ryan Rickelton |
| Batters | Kane Williamson (VC), Rachin Ravindra, Glenn Phillips |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen, Mitchell Santner, Aiden Markram |
| Bowlers | Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi |
NZ vs SA Match Prediction – Who Will Win?
South Africa’s unbeaten record and fiery pace attack give them the upper hand. However, New Zealand’s experience in knockout matches and their well-balanced squad can’t be overlooked. Based on recent form and ground stats, the team batting first has a higher chance of winning.
Prediction: South Africa to win, but New Zealand could pull off an upset if they bowl first.
The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between New Zealand and South Africa promises to be a high-intensity clash. Both teams have performed well, and it will be interesting to see who makes it to the final in Dubai on March 9, 2025. Stay tuned for more updates!
Disclaimer: This Dream11 prediction is based on analysis and instinct. Please consider your own judgment before making final picks.
