Proteas Face New Zealand in 2025 ICC Champions Semifinal: Key Stats and Insights

The Proteas will meet New Zealand in the 2025 ICC Champions semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, on Wednesday. With both teams having impressive records in ICC competitions, this high-stakes match promises to be a thrilling encounter.

Head-to-Head Record in ICC Events

Here’s a look at the overall statistics between the two teams in ICC competitions:

• ODI Overall Record: 73 matches played; South Africa (42 wins), New Zealand (26 wins), No result (5)
• ICC ODI Events: 11 matches played; South Africa (4 wins), New Zealand (7 wins)
• Champions Trophy: 2 matches played; South Africa (1 win), New Zealand (1 win)

Glenn Phillips – what have you just done? 🤯🤯

This MUST be the catch of the tournament 👇

📺 Stream #ChampionsTrophy on DStv: https://t.co/rM90YyQxaw pic.twitter.com/5AnVxW1xEX

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) March 2, 2025

Recent Meetings

• Cricket World Cup 2019: New Zealand won by 4 wickets (Birmingham)
• CWC 2023: South Africa won by 190 runs (Pune)
• Triangular Series 2025: New Zealand won by 6 wickets (Lahore)

Top Run Scorers (Champions Trophy 2025)

• South Africa:

  • Ryan Rickelton – 130 (Highest – 103)
  • Rassie van der Dussen – 124 (Highest – 72*)
  • Heinrich Klaasen – 64 (Highest – 64)

• New Zealand:

  • Tom Latham – 187 (Highest – 118*)
  • Will Young – 129 (Highest – 107)
  • Rachin Ravindra – 118 (Highest – 112)

Top Wicket-Takers (Champions Trophy 2025)

• South Africa:

  • Wiaan Mulder – 5 wickets (Economy Rate 3.37, Average 12.20)
  • Marco Jansen – 4 wickets (Economy Rate 4.73, Average 17.75)
  • Kagiso Rabada – 4 wickets (Economy Rate 5.03, Average 19.50)

• New Zealand:

  • Matt Henry – 8 wickets (Economy Rate 5.09, Average 15.50)
  • Will O’Rourke – 6 wickets (Economy Rate 5.07, Average 23.66)
  • Michael Bracewell – 5 wickets (Economy Rate 4.13, Average 24.00)

Taking a trip to Lahore, as we look forward to the challenge of New Zealand in the #ChampionsTrophy semi-final. 🇿🇦🏏🔥🏆 #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/8cjMVYGNnp

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 4, 2025

South Africa has become accustomed to reaching the knockout stages in ICC events, but winning these crucial matches has often eluded them. The only exception came in 1998, when the Proteas clinched the Champions Trophy (then the ICC Knockout Trophy). Aside from that, South Africa has won only two playoff games: a quarterfinal win over Sri Lanka in the 2015 World Cup and last year’s T20 World Cup semifinal victory over Afghanistan.

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma emphasized that despite the significance of the match, the team’s approach will remain calm and focused. Bavuma noted that many of his players have experienced high-pressure knockout matches in recent ICC events and T20 Leagues around the world.

“It’s just another game. Yes, it’s important, but we won’t be blowing it out of proportion,” Bavuma said. He also mentioned that despite battling an illness, he and Tony de Zorzi, who also had a bug, trained on Tuesday at Gaddafi Stadium. Aiden Markram’s fitness was expected to be assessed after practice.

Bavuma acknowledged that the Proteas’ bowling unit, consisting of four seamers and Keshav Maharaj as the sole spinner, would likely be the key in Lahore’s conditions. Markram could add off-break options if fit. Although Gaddafi Stadium has favored batsmen, bowlers can expect assistance early in the innings, with nine wickets falling in the opening powerplay in earlier matches.

The teams share a rich ICC history, with both winning the tournament in its earlier editions. However, in recent years, ICC men’s events have largely been marked by heartbreak. South Africa’s infamous loss in the 1999 World Cup at Edgbaston and New Zealand’s defeat in the 2019 World Cup final at Lord’s stand out.

In the 2015 World Cup semifinal, New Zealand defeated South Africa, and the Proteas will be eager to turn the tables in this semifinal. Both teams have had successful runs, and with key players like Kane Williamson, Matt Henry, and David Miller available, the match is expected to be fiercely contested.

Wednesday’s semifinal presents a significant opportunity for South Africa to prove their progress in recent years and to advance to the final. As both teams vie for the coveted title, the game promises high drama and intense cricket.

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