New Zealand, South Africa would like to put behind major tournament failures in Semi-Finals | Image: X/ ICC
South africa vs new zealand: If world -class talent, New Zealand and South Africa will face each other in the second semi -finals of the Champions Trophy here on Wednesday, then they will try to leave behind the players who have performed lesser matches of global competitions.
Both teams are looking equal on paper. South Africa and New Zealand have won the Champions Trophy once in 1998 and 2000 respectively, but at that time the tournament was called the ICC Knocout Trophy and did not have the importance that is now.
The New Zealand team will also be desperate to capture the title of ‘Chochers (defeat in the main matches) of the big tournament, where the big tournament. The New Zealand missed winning the title after reaching the T20 World Cup (2015 and 2019) twice in the T20 World Cup (2021).
The New Zealand Group A, led by Mitchell Santner, topped India after India, while South Africa topped Australia in Group B. There is not much difference between the two teams and most departments are in equal conditions. However, South Africa shows a slight lead due to diversity in bowling. Both teams have sufficient strength in the batting order and they also have excellent fielders. The results of the spinners are expected to be important in the result of the match.
The pitch of the Gaddafi stadium is slightly slow, but they do not spin so much than Dubai. In such a situation, it will be interesting to see how the spinners of both teams perform. Despite losing 44 runs to India in their last group match, New Zealand will gain confidence with his victory over South Africa in the tri -series here last month.
New Zealand successfully pursued a target of 305 runs against South Africa before the Champions Trophy and then defeated Pakistan in the final to win the triangular series. Veteran batsman Tom Latham feels that these experiences will prove beneficial for him. He said, “Yes, the (South Africa) team we played was a bit different. There were many players in that team who were not in this team. Some of his main players were playing in SAT20 then, so it will be a little different. ”
He said, “However, I feel that we will get the benefit of that experience of Lahore in playing against South Africa.” He said, “We will make best preparations on our behalf and do our best. We are waiting for the challenge of the semi -finals. “He said,” Our attitude is always the same. We try to play our best cricket. If we are successful in maintaining this, then it is expected that the last moments of the match will be in a state of benefit.
Latham has been New Zealand’s most successful batsman so far in the tournament with 187 runs. Kane Williamson also managed to return to the rhythm by playing an 81 -run innings against India. In bowling, Matt Henry also showed amazing on a slow pitch against India and he is the highest wicket -taking bowler with eight wickets. He has also got a good support from Will O’Arki (six wickets). New Zealand has a good spin attack as captain Mitchell Santner, Michael Bracewell, Rachin Rabindra, Glenn Philips and Mark Chapman.
South Africa is also in excellent form. Protiaz has fielded one of its best teams in the tournament. Ryan Ryan Ricelton, who plays a century innings, is in a spectacular form, while players like Temba Bavuma, Rasi Van Der Dusen and Eden Markram have also contributed to the bat. South Africa’s bowling also looks impressive with the presence of players like Vian Mulder, Cagiso Rabada, Lungi Engidi, Marco Yansen, Keshav Maharaj and Tabrez Shamsi.
Teams
New Zealand: Michelle Santner (Captain), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockery Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Derryl Michel, Will O’Rauki, Glen Philips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Ken Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Dfe.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (Captain), Tony de Jorji, Marco Yanseen, Henrik Klassen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Vian Mulder, Lungi Engidi, Cagiso Rabada, Ryan Ricelton, Tabrez Shamsi, Triston Stabs, Rasi Vain Derbin, Corbin Bash.
The match will begin at 2:30 pm Indian time.
Also read- South Africa’s position in semi-finals against New Zealand: Ponting
