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South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy Tips - Kiwis can fly

By Sridhar Bhamidi

04 Mar 2025

Sridhar Bhamidi 04 Mar 2025

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South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy ODI match predictions to be played in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5
South Africa lost 5 of their last 6 ODIs against NZ in neutral locations
New Zealand won their last 6 ODIs played in Pakistan

Can New Zealand continue their recent good form and reach the final of the Champions Trophy? (Getty Images)

South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy

The second semi-final of the 2024 ICC Champions Trophy will feature two teams that are perhaps a neutral fan’s top two choices—South Africa and New Zealand. This match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday with action set to start at 2:30 pm IST.

South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy FAQs

A place in the final to play either India or Australia beckons, and so does a trip to Dubai if India qualifies. Regardless, both New Zealand and South Africa will be confident of their chances, as this match is played on slightly faster tracks compared to Dubai. I believe the Kiwis are better placed to win this match and qualify for the final.

South Africa lost 5 of their last 6 matches against New Zealand in neutral venues (ODIs).
South Africa lost 2 of their last 3 matches against New Zealand (ODIs).
New Zealand won their last 2 matches played at this venue (ODIs).
New Zealand won their last 6 matches played in Pakistan (ODIs).

Head to Head

These sides have played each other in 73 ODIs so far, with the Proteas winning 42 and the Black Caps winning 26. Five matches ended without any result.

The teams were involved in the tri-series prior to this tournament, where Lahore played host to their match. New Zealand won that game by six wickets with Kane Williamson (133) and Devon Conway (97) trumping Matthew Breetzke’s imperious 150.

South Africa Form

South Africa qualified for the semis by topping Group B with five points from two wins and one no result. The only logistic concern was the short trip they had to take to Dubai, waiting to find out if they play India or New Zealand in the semis.

The Proteas were clinical in the tournament, defeating Afghanistan by 107 runs and England by seven wickets. Their match against Australia was washed out. Incidentally, all their matches have been in Pakistan.

Ryan Rickleton has scored South Africa’s only century in this tournament, while Rassie van der Dussen scored fifties in both matches. Bowling duties were shared, but Wiaan Mulder (five wickets, ER 3.73) surprised everyone with his accurate spells.

South Africa Team News

Captain Temba Bavuma missed their last game but could be back here in place of Tristan Stubbs.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand qualified second in Group A behind India with two wins and one loss. They played their last group game in Dubai before flying back to Pakistan.

The Kiwis defeated Pakistan in Karachi by 60 runs before defeating Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi. Their knockout place was confirmed after that result, before they lost to India in Dubai by 44 runs.

The biggest positive for New Zealand has been Tom Latham (187 runs), who scored a hundred and a fifty in this tournament. The bowlers are led by Matt Henry (eight wickets) and Will O’Rourke (six).

New Zealand Team News

Devon Conway missed the last match against India but could be back in contention here to replace Will Young.

South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy FAQs

Where can I watch the South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy live stream.

What time does South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy start?

This South Africa vs New Zealand Champions Trophy match is being played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore starting at 2:30 p.m. IST on Wednesday, March 5.

Verdict

South Africa v New Zealand - One Day Match

New Zealand may have come up short against India, but that was against quality spinners in Dubai. A return to Pakistan could be welcome news where their fast bowlers can call the shots. South Africa can’t be taken lightly, especially with Kagiso Rabada in the line-up. Yet, this is a match that New Zealand can win if they tick the right boxes. I am backing New Zealand to win.