The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be held today, March 5th, at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, featuring a clash between South Africa and New Zealand.
Match Details: The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will be played today, March 5th, at the historic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where South Africa and New Zealand will face off. The match will begin at 2:30 PM (IST). The winner of this high-voltage encounter will advance to the final on March 9th in Dubai against India. This match is crucial for cricket enthusiasts, as both teams are expected to showcase their best abilities.
Pitch Report and Lahore Weather
The weather in Gaddafi Stadium today is expected to be perfectly suitable for cricket. The temperature will hover around 21°C, with humidity around 40%. There is no forecast of rain, meaning spectators can enjoy the full 50-over match. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is generally considered batsman-friendly. The ball bounces well, making stroke play easier.
However, if the fast bowlers bowl accurately in terms of line and length in the initial overs, they might benefit from swing. But as the match progresses, the pitch is likely to become even more advantageous for batsmen. The team chasing the target might have an edge.
Head-to-Head Record
In One Day International cricket, South Africa and New Zealand have played 73 matches so far.
South Africa: 42 wins
New Zealand: 26 wins
Draws: 5 matches
Both Teams' ICC Trophy Records
South Africa won this tournament in 1998 when it was known as the ICC Knockout Tournament. New Zealand won the title in 2000. The winner of this match will play India in the final on March 9th in Dubai, after India secured their place with an excellent performance in the first semi-final.
Squads of Both Teams
New Zealand: Will Young, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Nathan Smith, Matt Henry, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson, Mark Chapman, and Rachin Ravindra.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Lungisani Ngidi, and Corbin Bosch.
