The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal between South Africa and New Zealand will occur on March 5, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The pitch is favorable for batting, with past trends showing that teams prefer to chase. Historical records indicate South Africa leads in overall encounters, though New Zealand holds recent form. Bright weather and a light wind are expected, ensuring uninterrupted play.
On March 5, 2025, South Africa will face New Zealand in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, commencing at 2:30 PM India time. This high-stakes match promises to be exciting as both teams vie for a place in the finals.
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is traditionally conducive to batting, yet bowlers who demonstrate accuracy and adaptability may find opportunities for success. Historical data reflects a tendency for teams to prefer chasing after winning the toss, particularly given the trend of high scores observed in recent matches.
In the last completed One Day International (ODI) at this venue, Afghanistan’s Ibrahim Zadran notably scored 177 runs off 146 deliveries against England, leading his team to a total of 325 runs. England subsequently lost that match by a narrow margin of eight runs. To date, the stadium has hosted 72 ODIs, witnessing batting-first teams securing 38 victories against 30 for chasing teams, with two matches yielding no results and one ending in a tie.
South Africa has a record of 11 matches at this stadium, winning six, while New Zealand has played seven matches with two victories. The nations have faced off in 73 ODIs historically, with South Africa winning 42 matches compared to New Zealand’s 26, and five matches having no result. Recent performance indicates that New Zealand is in good form, winning four of their last five games, while South Africa has secured two wins.
In their encounters during ICC Champions Trophy history, both teams have one victory each in their previous meetings. Their most recent ODI matchup was in February 2025, where New Zealand chased down a target of 304 with a six-wicket win. Overall, the weather during the match is expected to be sunny, yielding perfect batting conditions, while a moderate North-Westerly wind may assist swing bowlers in the early overs. With no rain forecasted, a complete match is anticipated without interruptions.
Stay informed on all developments surrounding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, including the schedule, points table, and top performers in the tournament.
In summary, the semifinal match between South Africa and New Zealand promises to be a thrilling encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Gaddafi Stadium’s pitch conditions favor batting, although skilled bowlers will still find opportunities for success. With both teams in varied recent forms and historical rivalries, fans can expect an electric atmosphere and a full match, unaffected by weather.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
