Lahore, March 5, 2025 – The second semi-final of the Champions Trophy New Zealand vs South Africa will be played today in Lahore. Both teams have completed their preparations for the match. Ahead of the semi-final, New Zealand trained during the day, while South Africa conducted their practice session in the evening at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
New Zealand’s players began their session with warm-ups, followed by fielding drills, while batters and bowlers had extensive practice in the nets. Speaking at a press conference, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner mentioned that Lahore’s pitch is different from Dubai’s, but they are familiar with the conditions. He also stated that after travel, the players had time to recover and are ready for the semi-final.
On the other hand, South Africa trained under floodlights in the evening. The South African players focused on catching drills while their batters and bowlers finalized their preparations in the nets. South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, said in a press conference that traveling to Dubai was not necessary and that logistics could have been improved, but the schedule left them with limited options. He added that the players enjoyed playing golf in Dubai to relax and recover. Having already played against New Zealand here, they are prepared to tackle the challenge.
Cricket Diplomacy in Action: Top Officials from India & Beyond Arrive in Pakistan for Semi-Final Showdown
Several top officials from various cricket boards, including India, have arrived in Pakistan to witness this crucial semi-final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. The Vice President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Rajeev Shukla, has arrived in Pakistan with his family, while officials from New Zealand, Bangladesh, South Africa, Malaysia, and other cricket boards will also attend the match.
Read More: BCCI Delegation to Arrive in Lahore For Champions Trophy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced free iftar for spectators attending the semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium. Fans watching the New Zealand vs. South Africa semi-final can avail themselves of free iftar by showing their tickets, which will include dates, juice, and a mini pizza in the iftar box.
Read More: New Zealand vs. South Africa Champions Trophy Semi-Final: PCB Announces Free Iftar Box
In the first semi-final of the Champions Trophy, India defeated Australia to secure a place in the final for the fifth time. The winner of today’s semi-final will face India in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 9, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In the first semi-final, Australia set a target of 265 runs, which India successfully chased down with six wickets remaining, with Virat Kohli playing a crucial role in securing the victory.
New Zealand vs South Africa: Clash for the Final Spot!
Earlier, India and New Zealand qualified for the semi-finals from Group A, while Australia and South Africa advanced from Group B. According to the agreement approved by the ICC, India has been playing its matches at a neutral venue. Since India has now reached the final, the Champions Trophy final will be held in Dubai instead of Lahore.
India Storms Into ICC Champions Trophy Final for Record 5th Time
India has now reached the ICC Champions Trophy final for the fifth time. The team first played in the final of the second edition of the tournament in 2000. India again reached the final in 2002, followed by another appearance in 2013. The fourth time was in 2017, when India faced Pakistan under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed, who led Pakistan to their first-ever Champions Trophy title.
