India defeated Australia on Tuesday to progress to the Champions Trophy final, and the Proteas will now hope to book their place in the title decider as they take on New Zealand.
Play in the second semi-final gets under way on Wednesday at 11:00 (SA time).
PROTEAS-NEW ZEALAND LIVE SCORING:
Recent form:
South Africa: South Africa have been untroubled so far this tournament, with a 107-run win over Afghanistan in their opener and then a thumping seven-wicket win over England in their last group game. The real test, however, was likely to have come against Australia – a match that was abandoned without a single ball being bowled due to the weather. The semi-final will prove to be their toughest game thus far.
New Zealand: The Black Caps had won five ODIs on the bounce before India edged them in the Group A decider on Sunday, strong form that pre-dates the Champions Trophy. They’ve looked sharp in all three disciplines so far this tournament and will be seeking to get back to winning ways immediately.
PLAYERS IN FOCUS
South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen
The wicketkeeper wouldn’t have expected to assume captaincy responsibilities this tournament, but that’s exactly what he did during the match against England, with Temba Bavuma already absent and stand-in Aiden Markram picking up a slight hamstring issue in the field. The 33-year-old’s focus never wavered, though, scoring 64 off 56 balls having earlier contributed to two wickets. Being a mainstay across the shorter formats of the game, Klaasen being in-form will be crucial for South Africa.
New Zealand: Kane Williamson
The experienced former captain kept the Black Caps in the game against India with his excellent knock of 81, but his value in the field shouldn’t be overlooked – the spectacular catch to remove Ravindra Jadeja was a great example of what he still brings, even at the age of 34.
As the stakes get higher in these tournament games, Black Caps players will be looking to follow the lead of their cool-headed veteran teammate.
South Africa squad – ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Corbin Bosch (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tony de Zorzi (World Sports Betting Western Province), Marco Jansen (North West University Dragons), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Wiaan Mulder (DP World Lions), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Ryan Rickelton (DP World Lions), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors), and Rassie van der Dussen (DP World Lions).
Travelling reserve
Kwena Maphaka (DP World Lions)
Management
Rob Walter (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Imraan Khan (Batting Coach), Anton Roux (Bowling Coach), Wandile Gwavu (Fielding Coach), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Dr Konrad von Hagen (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Lucy Davey (Media Manager), and Brian Khonto (Security Officer).
DO YOU THINK SOUTH AFRICA COULD FINALLY WIN AN ICC TROPHY?
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