South Africa has added George Linde to their reserves for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand as a precaution for the injured Aiden Markram. A fitness test will determine Markram’s availability, while Linde’s inclusion reflects the team’s strategy amid recent travel challenges. New Zealand, having lost to India, is seen as a favorite in the upcoming match.
South Africa has announced the inclusion of left-arm spinning all-rounder George Linde in their travelling reserves ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand. This decision comes as a precautionary measure following a hamstring injury sustained by Aiden Markram during the team’s final group stage match against England. Markram, who captained the team in that match, opted not to field or bat afterwards due to his condition.
Linde will only officially join the squad if Markram is ultimately ruled out after a fitness test scheduled for the day of the match. Reports from ESPNCricinfo indicate that the final decision regarding Markram’s participation will be made prior to the toss. Should Markram be unable to play, South Africa will likely retain Tristan Stubbs in the playing XI, with Temba Bavuma potentially returning from illness.
Linde is expected to arrive on Tuesday evening, just before the semi-final match. The absence of Markram might negatively impact South Africa’s stability, despite him not having bowled in the prior games. Linde demonstrated strong performance during the SA20 2025, contributing 161 runs with a strike rate of 153.33 and claiming 11 wickets at an economy rate of 6.29.
South Africa’s bowling unit will likely comprise Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder, with Stubbs possibly contributing as a part-time bowler if Markram does not play. The team has faced significant travel challenges recently, moving between Karachi, Dubai, and Lahore, yet they now have a few days to recover and train in preparation for this critical matchup.
New Zealand enters this semi-final match following a recent defeat against India, but they are regarded as favorites due to their squad’s all-round depth and their prior experience competing in Pakistan.
In summary, South Africa’s decision to include George Linde in the reserves highlights their concerns regarding Aiden Markram’s hamstring injury ahead of the key semi-final. The team’s preparations and recent travel have been arduous, yet they aim to stabilize their lineup. New Zealand, having experienced a setback, will be looking to capitalize on their deeper squad.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
