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

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. 

Also Check: SA vs NZ Live Score, Semi-Final 2

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: NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction, Semi-Final 2