While it is time for IND vs AUS in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals, the attention switches to the other semi-final game where South Africa take on New Zealand. This can be a perfect opportunity for the Proteas to lift an ICC trophy. Deemed as eternal chokers, the African side has never won any major ICC event.
The side came close to lifting a silverware in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, only for the India Cricket Team to stage a massive late comeback and snatch the trophy from the jaws of death. South Africa has previously reached the semis and finals, but has failed to get their hands on the trophy.
Proteas or Kiwis? Who will stand strong?
Their only trophy came in 1998 when they won the ICC Knockout Trophy. Now the question arises, can the Proteas break their ICC Trophy jinx this time? Meanwhile, South Africa will also appear in the World Test Championship when they take on Australia in the summer.
As for New Zealand, things aren’t too good. The Kiwis have 2 ICC trophies to their name and will also be eyeing to bag another trophy to their name. The side has previously won the ICC Knockout tournament in 2000, beating India, and then in 2021 in the WTC Finals, beating the same opponent.
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In the ICC Champions Trophy, South Africa are currently unbeaten having won 2 games while the game against Australia was washed off. For the Kiwis, it is almost quite the same. The Black Caps won two back to back matches before losing their third game to India.
The Proteas began their campaign on a strong note, notching up a win against Afghanistan and a dominant win in their third game against England. Meanwhile, the Kiwis first defeated hosts Pakistan and then Bangladesh before eventually losing out to the Men in Blue.
South Africa Squad
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, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch
New Zealand Squad
Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, William ORourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy, Kyle Jamieson
