New Zealand will be taking on South Africa in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025. The match is set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on the 5th of March 2025 at 2:30 PM (IST). While South Africa topped the Group B without sustaining a single loss, New Zealand lost to India in their last Group A match to end second, which set their match. Both South Africa and New Zealand had to travel from Dubai to Lahore.
Both the teams have some of the best players in the world in their lineup. South Africa has the likes of David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and others in their lineup. On the other hand, New Zealand has a strong lineup, probably their best for a major ICC tournament since the T20 World Cup 2021. One can expect a good match between two quality sides. South Africa would be wary of some dangerous Kiwi players.
3 New Zealand players who could be threatening to South Africa’s chances to enter the final of the Champions Trophy 2025:
1. Rachin Ravindra
Rachin Ravindra is one of the best ODI batters in the world. He had a breakthrough season in the ODI World Cup 2023 and hasn’t looked back since then. Ravindra has been a key player for New Zealand and played a major role in their historic Test series win in India. But ODIs are his strongest forte. In this format, he is a match winner as a batter.
Ravindra can also be handy with the ball and bowl some overs to break threatening partnerships. Even as a fielder, he is brilliant. In the CT 2025, Rachin has 118 runs in 2 innings at a batting average of 59.00, at a batting strike rate of 100.85, including a match winning 112 against Bangladesh. If he plays a similar innings against SA, NZ will have an upper hand.
2. Glenn Phillips
Glenn Phillips is one of the best finishers in the world. The star player is majorly known for his fielding, which has been fantastic in the ongoing tournament so far. Phillips has taken three blinders to dismiss some of the best batters in the world. Apart from it, he bowled some overs and played a decisive knock which helped his team against Pakistan.
In 3 innings, Phillips has 94 runs, at a batting average of 47.00, at a great batting strike rate of 125.33, with a best score of 61. He can be handy as a bowler and can claim wickets, if necessary. As a finisher, he can provide impetus to his team’s innings lower down the order. If SA allow him to smash the bowlers, they could be in serious trouble.
3. Matt Henry
Matt Henry has been one of the best bowlers in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. The Kiwi pacer is currently the leading wicket taker and has maintained his terrific form in the year. In 3 innings, the right-arm pacer has 8 wickets at a bowling average of 15.50, at a great bowling strike rate of 18.25, and an economy rate of 5.09, with best bowling figures of 5/42.
With the new ball, he can be threatening with his outswinger at a good pace. His seam bowling will only trouble the batters more. Henry can be handy at the death with his wicket taking abilities. He can operate at a good pace and trouble the batters with his variations. Henry will be key for NZ to have any chance against the Proteas.
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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