Lahore: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.
The pitch at the venue has been conducive to high-scoring encounters, with a hard and flat surface complemented by a fresh covering of grass.
According to experts Bazid Khan and Dale Steyn, the conditions will aid batsmen, while the extra bounce may provide some assistance to the tall pacers on both sides. Bowlers will need to be precise with their line and length, as the surface is tailor-made for batting.
"We are going to have a bat first. It looks like a good wicket, a bit dry. It’s a privilege to captain my country, and for us, the focus is on playing good cricket. We have retained the same team," said New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma expressed confidence in his team despite losing the toss. "We are not too concerned, though we would have preferred to bat first. Just one change – I’m back in the team and feeling much better. We have learned from past semifinals and finals. Winning the key moments is crucial. We are well-prepared and confident," he stated.
The contest is expected to be evenly matched, with both teams boasting strong batting lineups and formidable pace attacks. New Zealand, however, holds an advantage in the spin department, with Santner and Michael Bracewell providing probing spells, while Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips can offer part-time options. South Africa, on the other hand, will rely on Keshav Maharaj as their primary spin option.
History favours New Zealand in knockout encounters, as they previously eliminated South Africa in the semifinals of the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. Additionally, the Kiwis secured a win over the Proteas in their recent Tri-nation series meeting, further boosting their morale ahead of this crucial clash.
South Africa have been impressive in the tournament so far, registering a dominant win over Afghanistan in their opener, where Ryan Rickelton's century and a collective effort from the middle-order powered them past 300 runs. Their clash against Australia was abandoned due to rain, while they secured the top spot in Group B with a comprehensive victory over England.
With a spot in the final against India at stake, an intense battle is anticipated at the Gaddafi Stadium. The weather remains favourable for an uninterrupted contest.
Playing XIs:
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (w), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.