Lahore (Web Desk): New Zealand won the toss and decided to bat first in the second semi-final of the International Cricket Council's (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday.
It is worth mentioning that the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has made a highly anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus, with the last tournament played in 2017, where Pakistan stunned India in the final.
This year’s competition kicked off with a fresh format, featuring two groups of four teams each.
Group A included Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B was composed of Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
In the group stages, each side played three matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
India and New Zealand emerged from Group A, proving their class and consistency, while South Africa and Australia battled their way through Group B, securing their spots in the semi-finals with dominant performances.
On Tuesday, India defeated Australia by four wickets and qualified for the final clash, scheduled to be played at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (March 9).
Teams
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
