The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played on Wednesday, March 5 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. South Africa will face New Zealand in this match. The South African team has been in great form in this tournament and finished first in the group stage. After a big win over Afghanistan, a rain-affected match against Australia and a stunning win over England, the Proteas are now set to make it to the final. Let’s see what South Africa playing 11 that could be like in the semi-finals.
South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025
South Africa has performed brilliantly in the tournament. They started their campaign brilliantly with a win over Afghanistan in the first match. After this, the match against Australia was washed out due to rain, due to which they had to be content with one point. However, they played a strong game against England and booked their berth in the semi-finals with a resounding win.
Now their focus is on defeating New Zealand and making it to the finals. Will South Africa be able to create history, or will New Zealand stop their journey here? Cricket lovers will keep their eyes on this exciting match.
South Africa Playing 11 and key players
Openers: Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma(captain)
Ryan Rickelton and captain Temba Bavuma can come in the opening pair of the team. Bavuma, who could not play against England due to illness, can make a comeback in this match. He scored 58 runs against Afghanistan, due to which his form looks good.
Ryan Rickelton is also in great form. He scored a century against Afghanistan. Although he could score only 27 runs against England, he will be desperate to perform well in the semi-finals.
Middle order: Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper), David Miller
South Africa has experienced and aggressive batsmen in the middle order. Rassie van der Dussen is in great form in this tournament and has scored two half-centuries so far. He scored an unbeaten 72 against England.
Aiden Markram has also scored a half-century in the tournament. He can also bowl, which will benefit the team.
Heinrich Klaasen, who missed a few matches due to injury, made a quick 64 off 56 balls on his return against England. His aggressive batting can create problems for New Zealand bowlers.
David Miller, who is known for his explosive batting, can play an important role for the team in the semi-finals. His explosive batting in the last overs will help the team to score big.
Allrounders: Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen
South Africa have two excellent all-rounders – Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen.
Marco Jansen bowled brilliantly with the new ball against England and took three wickets in the powerplay. Apart from this, he can also bat well in the lower order.
Wiaan Mulder also bowled brilliantly against England and took three wickets for just 25 runs. He can also contribute in batting.
Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi
South Africa have a strong bowling attack, comprising two fast bowlers and a spinner.
Kagiso Rabada can bowl brilliantly with the new ball and his ability to take wickets in the death overs will be beneficial for the team.
Lungi Ngidi can trouble batsmen with his accurate bowling.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj was in excellent form against England. He took two wickets and also took wickets in addition to restricting runs in the middle overs.
Key to South Africa’s victory
- Strong opening pair: The form of Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton will be important for the team.
- Strong middle order: The presence of Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller strengthens the team.
- Superb bowling: A balanced bowling attack comprising of Jansen, Mulder, Rabada, Ngidi and Maharaj can cause problems for New Zealand.
South Africa’s team looks strong and balanced in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The team has experienced batsmen, excellent bowlers and excellent all-rounders. If the Proteas play in this rhythm, they can beat New Zealand and make it to the finals. This match is going to be very exciting, in which both the teams will put in their best efforts.