The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that fans attending tomorrow’s semi-final match between New Zealand and South Africa will be provided with complimentary Iftar. Spectators can receive an Iftar box containing dates, juice, and a mini pizza upon presentation of their match tickets.
South Africa will continue their pursuit of their first ICC trophy since 1998 when they face New Zealand in Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore, the location of a recent high-scoring encounter between the two teams.
The teams have only played each other twice in the 50-over format since 2019, most recently in Lahore during a Tri-Series match on February 10. South Africa posted 304 for six, but New Zealand won by six wickets with eight balls remaining.
South Africa’s bowling attack will be stronger this time, featuring fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, as well as spinner Keshav Maharaj.
“We know how strong South Africa are. They’ve got all bases covered in terms of batting, bowling and in the field. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic game,” said New Zealand batter Tom Latham.
South Africa has reached the semi-finals or finals of ICC tournaments 13 times in limited-overs formats, winning only the 1998 Champions Trophy. They reached the semi-finals of the 2023 50-over World Cup and the final of last year’s T20 World Cup, but lost both.
They will also play in the World Test Championship final against Australia in June.
All-rounder Jansen believes their experience in knockout stages will be beneficial.
“I wouldn’t say the mindset changes, it’s just the occasion that’s probably a bit more hyped up,” Jansen said. “You stick to your processes. It’s just having your steps or guides that you follow in every match, and then in the semi-finals, you try to execute them extraordinarily well.”
New Zealand’s record is similar, with their only ICC limited-overs win being the 2000 Champions Trophy.
South Africa has called up spinning all-rounder George Linde as cover for Aiden Markram, who injured his hamstring. Linde is unlikely to play on Wednesday, but his selection may be for a potential final against India in Dubai.
