Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-Final 2, NZ vs SA Match Prediction – Who will win today’s Champions Trophy match between NZ vs SA?

New Zealand (NZ) will take on South Africa (SA) in Semi-Final 2 of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. 

The Kiwis have played a tactical brand of cricket in the prestigious event for which they are renowned. The side finished second in Group A, winning two out of three games. Their wins came against Pakistan (by 60 runs) and Bangladesh (by five wickets), respectively. Their sole defeat came at the hands of India by 44 runs in their last league game in Dubai. However, the side will be putting that defeat behind their back and be looking forward to the upcoming game. In the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, which was held ahead of the Champions Trophy, the Mitchell Santner-led side had faced the Proteas at this very ground and defeated them by six wickets.

On the other hand, the South African side has made its way through to the next round of the tournament convincingly. In the group stage, the team registered two wins and one game ended without a result against Australia. The side finished with five points and is in a good space. However, the team is struggling with some injury concerns as on the eve of the clash, George Linde was called up as the cover for star batter Aiden Markram, who injured his right hamstring in the field against England. Meanwhile, skipper Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi have recovered in time from illness and are expected to play in the upcoming game. 

Match Details

Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium has played host to a couple of high-scoring clashes in the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. There has been even bounce on the surface, and the margin for error is very little for the bowlers. Batters can score a lot of runs if they are willing to spend time in the middle. The average first innings score is 338. The team winning the toss will be looking to bowl first. 

Head-to-Head Record

NZ vs SA Predicted Playing 11

New Zealand (NZ):

Tom Latham (wk), WA Young, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, DJ Mitchell, Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (C), MJ Henry, William O’Rourke, KA Jamieson

South Africa (SA):

RD Rickelton (wk), H Klaasen, T Bavuma (C), AK Markram, HE van der Dussen, KA Maharaj, DA Miller, M Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, K Rabada, L Ngidi

Also Check: NZ vs SA Dream11 Prediction, Semi-Final 2

NZ vs SA Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Tom Latham

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has been his side's best batter so far. In the three games that he has played, Latham managed to score 187 runs and is currently the fourth-highest run scorer of the competition. The southpaw has had a good outing with the bat in the side's first two league games, recording scores of 118* and 55 runs, respectively. For the Kiwis to reach the finals, Latham's performance with the bat will be important. 

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025 Most Runs

Probable Best Bowler: Marco Jansen

South African pacer Marco Jansen has bagged four wickets in two games so far and has been economical. The team has looked to the tall left-hander to get the job done in the league matches. The pacer will be running high in confidence after brilliant showings in the last game against England, with a spell of 3/39, which earned him the Player of the Match award. The 24-year-old will be aware of the importance of the match and will look to take his side over the line once again.

Also Check: Champions Trophy 2025 News

Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Scenario 1:

• New Zealand win the toss and opt to bowl first
• PP score: 60-70
• SA: 320-330
• New Zealand win the match

Scenario 2:

• South Africa win the toss and opt to bowl first
• PP score: 50-60
• NZ: 310-320
• South Africa win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision