The highly anticipated South Africa vs New Zealand (Champions Trophy Semi-Final) will take place on March 5, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan. This crucial match will determine who advances to the final on March 9, 2025, against India. Both teams have been in top form, and this contest promises to be a thrilling showdown between the Proteas and the Black Caps.
Let’s dive into the Dream11 fantasy tips, pitch report, match timing, live streaming details, and key insights for this blockbuster semi-final clash!
🏏 Match Details
- Event: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – Semi-Final 2
- Teams: South Africa 🆚 New Zealand
- Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan
- Match Importance: Winner qualifies for the final vs. India on March 9, 2025
🏟️ Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is known for being a batting-friendly surface, with plenty of runs on offer. However, spinners and fast bowlers can have an impact as the game progresses.
🔹 Batting Conditions: Expect a high-scoring game, as the pitch favours stroke play with good carry and bounce. A first-innings total of 280-300+ could be a par score.
🔹 Bowling Conditions:
✅ Pacers might get early movement under lights.
✅ Spinners could find some turn in the second innings as the pitch starts to wear.
🔹 Toss Strategy:
✅ Winning the toss and batting first could be an advantage to post a big total.
✅ Dew factor in the second innings may help chasing teams.
🌤 Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: 15-24°C
- Humidity: 30-50%
- Rain Prediction: ❌ No rain expected – perfect conditions for a full 50-over contest.
📋 Squads for Both Teams
🇿🇦 South Africa Squad:
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- George Linde
- Wiaan Mulder
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Aiden Markram
- Tristan Stubbs
- Corbin Bosch
- Tabraiz Shamsi
- Tony de Zorzi
🇳🇿 New Zealand Squad:
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson (c)
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- William O’Rourke
- Jacob Duffy
- Devon Conway
- Mark Chapman
- Nathan Smith
🏆 Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips
Building a winning Dream11 team requires careful selection based on form, pitch conditions, and player roles.
📌 Key Players to Watch in Dream11
🔥 Batters:
✅ Rassie van der Dussen (SA): In sensational form, with 200+ runs in his last two ODIs against New Zealand. A must-pick.
✅ Kane Williamson (NZ) (VC): Has scored 803 runs in 18 ODIs vs SA at an average of 57.35, including 3 centuries.
✅ Heinrich Klaasen (SA): Explosive middle-order batter with scores of 64, 87, 81, 97, and 86 in his last five ODIs.
✅ Rachin Ravindra (NZ): Capable of big scores and useful with the ball.
⚡ All-Rounders:
✅ Marco Jansen (SA) (C): Reliable for quick runs and wickets. Recent figures: 3/39, 1/32, 2/58, 3/71, 1/45.
✅ Aiden Markram (SA): Consistent performer with bat and ball.
✅ Mitchell Santner (NZ): Key spin-bowling all-rounder.
🧤 Wicketkeepers:
✅ Ryan Rickelton (SA): In great touch, having scored 103 runs already in the tournament.
✅ Tom Latham (NZ): Dependable middle-order batter and safe behind the stumps.
🎯 Bowlers:
✅ Kagiso Rabada (SA): Lethal with the new ball and death overs.
✅ Keshav Maharaj (SA): Can exploit the middle overs with his spin.
✅ Matt Henry (NZ): One of New Zealand’s best pacers, effective in subcontinental conditions.
✅ Kyle Jamieson (NZ): His height and bounce can trouble batters.
📊 Suggested Dream11 Team
| Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| 🧤 Wicketkeeper | Ryan Rickelton (SA) |
| 🏏 Batters | Rassie van der Dussen (SA), Kane Williamson (NZ) (VC), Heinrich Klaasen (SA) |
| ⚡ All-Rounders | Marco Jansen (SA) (C), Aiden Markram (SA), Mitchell Santner (NZ) |
| 🎯 Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada (SA), Keshav Maharaj (SA), Matt Henry (NZ), Kyle Jamieson (NZ) |
🔹 Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
🏏 Captain: Marco Jansen (Contributes in both departments)
🏏 Vice-Captain: Kane Williamson (Reliable anchor & experienced campaigner)
🕒 Match Time & Live Streaming Details
⏰ Match Timings
- India: 🕝 2:30 PM IST (Toss at 2:00 PM IST)
- Pakistan: 🕑 2:00 PM PKT (Toss at 1:30 PM PKT)
- South Africa: 🕚 11:00 AM SAST
- New Zealand: 🕑 2:00 AM NZDT (March 6)
- GMT: 🕘 9:00 AM
📺 Where to Watch South Africa vs New Zealand Semi-Final?
📡 TV Broadcast (India):
✅ Star Sports Network (Star Sports 2 HD/SD, Sports 18 1 HD/SD)
💻 Online Streaming (India):
✅ JioHotstar App & Website
📡 Other Countries:
- Pakistan: Myco & Tamasha apps
- South Africa: SuperSport
- New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ
- UK: Sky Sports Cricket
- USA & Canada: Willow TV
🔮 Concluding Thoughts – Who Will Win?
✅ South Africa: Unbeaten in the tournament, boasting an in-form top order and a powerful bowling line-up.
✅ New Zealand: Strong bowling attack and big-match experience from Williamson and Santner.
🔥 Prediction: South Africa starts as slight favourites, but New Zealand has a history of stepping up in knockout matches. Expect a nail-biting finish!