Last Updated on 2 months by Charbel Coorey

It’ll be the Proteas and Kiwis in what promises to be a brilliant 2nd Semi Final of the ICC Champions Trophy (CT) 2025. Both teams have been in good form in the tournament, and there is sure to be fireworks at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

For South Africa, the big question is whether they can overcome the hurdle of the semi-final of an ICC ODI tournament. They are coming to this game on the back of a dominating 7-wicket win against England. They’ve been in great form as a team with their batters and bowlers performing exceptionally well in the group stages. Heinrich Klaasen scored 64* in his first game of the tournament, which is a great sign for the Proteas.

Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram have been in good touch as well and skipper Temba Bavuma and Rickelton have also looked good at the top. The pacers were in exceptional form in the last game. The spin department is something that can trouble the Proteas, but apart from that, they look strong.

On the other hand, New Zealand will be confident in this game. They lost their last game against India by 44 runs but before that, they were in excellent touch. They defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh quite comfortably. They are also looking pretty balanced as a side ahead of the semi-final.

The Kiwis need a little more consistency from their batters in this do-or-die game. The likes of Daryl Mitchell, Michael Bracewell and Glenn Philips must do well with the bat. Matt Henry has been in top form with the ball and Will O’Rourke has also bowled well. New Zealand will fancy their chances if they can maintain their composure with the bat in this game.

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Possible Playing XIs

Temba Bavuma should replace Tristan Stubbs for South Africa.

South Africa: 1. Ryan Rickelton (wk), 2. Temba Bavuma (c), 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Wiaan Mulder, 8. Marco Jansen, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Keshav Maharaj, 11. Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand is expected to be unchanged for this game.

New Zealand: 1. Will Young, 2. Rachin Ravindra, 3. Kane Williamson, 4. Daryl Mitchell, 5. Tom Latham (wk), 6. Glenn Phillips (c), 7. Michael Bracewell, 8. Mitchell Santner, 9. Matt Henry, 10. Kyle Jamieson, 11. Will O’Rourke

Gaddafi Cricket Stadium Lahore Pitch Report and Weather

The Gaddafi Stadium has been the best venue for batting in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Australia chased down 351 runs against England here, and England almost chased 325 against Afghanistan. The ball will come onto the bat nicely, allowing the batters to play their shots.

There was ample help for the pacers with the new ball in the last game played here, where the Australians found swing against Afghanistan. However, a bright sunny day awaits the fans with a high of 21 degrees Celsius on the match day. There is no chance of rain.

Spinners will get little to no assistance. Scores in the range of 320-350 are expected. Teams are expected to chase if they win the toss.

Fantasy Cricket Tips for SA vs NZ: Players to Watch/Key Stats

Note: Try to pick more batters and all-rounders if you are playing on Dream11. The new point system rewards the batters heavily.

Top Wicket-Keeper Picks:

• Ryan Rickelton will be a key batter for his side at the top. He will enjoy batting in this game and will be in for a big score if he gets past the new ball burst from the Kiwis. Rickelton will be a top fantasy pick.
• Heinrich Klaasen will be a must in your fantasy teams. He will be a great C/VC choice as well. He’s been in excellent touch with the bat. Klaasen’s last two scores in ODIs are 64 and 84. He will be the key batter for his side in the middle overs of this match.

Key batter picks:

• Kane Williamson has an excellent record against South Africa in ODIs: 803 runs in 18 innings at an average of 57.40 with three fifties and three centuries. He scored 133 in their last meeting in the tri-series ahead of the Champions Trophy. Kane will be a top C/VC pick as well.
• Rassie van der Dussen scored 72* in the last game. He’s been in terrific form lately and will be a top pick in fantasy cricket. Rassie has played two ODIs against New Zealand, and his scores are 133 and 67*. Try him as C/VC in the big leagues.
• Rachin Ravindra will bat in the top order and is expected to bowl a few overs as well. He can score big on his day, which we saw in the game against Bangladesh. Ravindra will enjoy batting at Lahore and will fancy his chances of a good outing if he can see off the new ball burst from the Proteas.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Aiden Markam scored 52* in the first game and didn’t bat in the last one. He has been in good form with the bat and he’s expected to bowl more overs in this match. Markram will be a good fantasy pick.
• Marco Jansen picked up three wickets in the last match against England. He has played only one ODI against the Kiwis and picked up three wickets in that game. Jansen is capable with the bat and will fetch points from both batting and bowling.
• Glenn Phillips is a key batter for the Kiwis in the lower middle order. He can tonk the ball and is a good player of spin bowling. He is electric in the field and will fetch points from fielding as well. Phillips against South Africa in ODIs: 88 runs in two innings, including a fifty.

Key bowler picks:

• Kagiso Rabda has 13 wickets in eight games against New Zealand in ODIs. He will be a must in your fantasy teams as he’s in top form in the tournament and can fetch good points on his day.
• Matt Henry is the lead bowler for the Kiwis. He is the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, with eight wickets in three games. Henry picked up five wickets in the last game against India.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Team

• Daryl Mitchell can be your game-changer in fantasy cricket. He will bat at 4 and can score big, especially on a good batting track. Mitchell has 34 runs in two innings against South Africa in ODIs.
• David Miller is another player who can help you win big in fantasy cricket if he gets going. He averages 24.80 against the Kiwis in 14 innings, but do try him in the big leagues, especially while chasing.
• Wiaan Mulder bowled well in the last game and is capable with the bat as well. He can be a good fantasy pick as well considering his dual value with batting and bowling.
• Mitchell Santner will fancy his chances in this game as South Africa’s batting unit is filled with right-hand batters. He can pick up 2-3 wickets easily on his day and not to forget that he can contribute with the bat as well.
• Keshav Maharaj took four wickets in the only ODI he has played against the Kiwis. Try him in the grand leagues.

Other Matchups and Facts

• Head to Head (ODIs): South Africa (42), New Zealand (26).
• Mitchell Santner vs David Miller (ODIs): 34 deliveries, 18 runs, 2 dismissals.
• Mitchell Santner vs Heinrich Klaasen (ODIs): 6 deliveries, 1 run, 1 dismissal.

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction

Option 1:

Option 2:

CT 2025 2nd Semi Final: SA vs NZ Match Prediction: Who will win?

Both teams are looking good, with great batting depth and a quality bowling attack. However, the South African batters have been in better form compared to the New Zealand batters and that gives them a little edge ahead of the clash. I think South Africa will win this match.