Champions Trophy 2025: SA vs NZ, Semi-final 2 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for

Champions Trophy 2025: SA vs NZ, Semi-final 2 – Top 3 player battles to watch out for (Source: Chris Hyde-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and Sameer Ali/Getty Images)

The second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. While the Proteas emerged as toppers of Group B, New Zealand finished as runners-up of Group A.

South Africa’s group-stage run resulted in wins in their first and third games against Afghanistan and England, respectively. The margins of victory in both these games were quite commanding – 107 runs and seven wickets, respectively. Their game against Australia was washed out without a ball being bowled.

As for New Zealand, they notched up victories against the hosts, Pakistan and Bangladesh, to gain significant impetus in their campaign. The Kiwis were outplayed by India in their final league phase game, ending up on the wrong side of the result by 44 runs.

The two sides last played each other in the recently-concluded Tri-Nation Series at the same venue in which they will fight it out for a place in the final of the ninth edition of the marquee ODI tournament. New Zealand ended up victorious in that contest by a six-wicket margin with eight deliveries to spare.

Here are 3 player battles to watch out for in SA vs NZ, SF-2 of Champions Trophy 2025

3. Ryan Rickelton vs Matt Henry

The duel between Ryan Rickelton and Matt Henry is set to be a true clash of fire and fire. The tempo-setting southpaw is more than capable of providing solid starts in the powerplay. He is coming off a fluid run in the SA20, as well as the few ODIs he has played in the buildup to this game.

Henry has enough experience in the tank to be regarded as an experienced campaigner in the ODI format. Coming off a five-wicket haul against India, the right-arm quick would undoubtedly be brimming with confidence. This will be the first time that the two will square off against each other. The contest is certain to be an exciting one.

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025: Top 10 Memes from South Africa vs New Zealand, Semi-Final 2

2. Heinrich Klaasen vs Mitchell Santner

Heinrich Klaasen’s ability to dismantle spin could be counted as arguably one of the most exceptional in the modern-day era. The Proteas’ wicketkeeper-batter has shown countless instances of his tendency to dispatch any style of spin from his sight. Klaasen’s flawless hand-eye coordination is what makes him lethal while facing spin bowling.

On the other hand, Mitchell Santner is no stranger when it comes to bowling handy left-arm spin. The Kiwi skipper has been richly involved in ODIs since February while maintaining his presence by being in and around the wickets. Much like the aforementioned matchup, the two have not faced each other while being stationed at opposite ends of the pitch.

Read More: Champions Trophy 2025: Ravindra finds the right balance in crucial innings

1. Kagiso Rabada vs Kane Williamson

While the face-off between Rickelton and Henry has been previously labelled as one between fire and fire, the tussle between Kagiso Rabada and Kane Williamson is poised to be that between fire and ice. Kagiso Rabada came into his own at the business end of the SA20 while representing MI Cape Town, the winners of the third edition of the franchise tournament. Coming to Williamson, his recent ODI performances have blown more hot than cold. He was the top scorer for the Kiwis in their recent game against India.

Unlike the previous couple of cases, Rabada and Williamson have locked horns against each other. In the 66 deliveries that have been bowled by the pacer, the former New Zealand skipper has scored 31 runs. Despite possessing a strike rate on the lower side, Williamson has never lost his wicket to the speedster. Only time will tell how the highly anticipated confrontation between the two linchpins of their respective teams will pan out.

Disclaimer: This latest 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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