LAHORE, Pakistan — New Zealand is set to face South Africa at their recent favorite venue in Pakistan for the Champions Trophy’s second semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday. The complex logistics of the tournament, particularly towards the end of the group stage, required some intricate maneuvers, resulting in both South Africa and Australia flying to Dubai with the understanding that one team must return to Pakistan once the semifinal matchups were finalized after India played its last group game against New Zealand on Sunday.
The demanding schedule stemmed from the Indian government’s decision not to permit its team to travel to Pakistan due to political concerns. Consequently, the International Cricket Council, Pakistan Cricket Board, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India devised a hybrid model, arranging all of India’s matches in Dubai, including a potential semifinal and the March 9 final.
India’s victory over New Zealand by 44 runs ensured that Australia remained in Dubai for the Tuesday semifinal against India, while South Africa made their return to Pakistan. South African player Heinrich Klaasen acknowledged the less-than-ideal nature of the short journey to Dubai. “We knew there was a significant possibility of having to fly back and forth,” said Klaasen. “It’s not perfect for our bodies, but we managed to get some relaxation and enjoy a nice steak.”
Both New Zealand and India succeeded in playing all three of their group matches despite adversities, as rain disrupted two other games in Rawalpindi. Similarly, Australia’s final match against Afghanistan could not reach a conclusion due to heavy rain making the outfield unplayable during Australia’s chase.
New Zealand arrived in Pakistan nearly a month ago and harbors positive memories of the Gaddafi Stadium, with previous victories over South Africa and Pakistan in a tri-nation series leading up to the Champions Trophy. Understanding the slower nature of Lahore’s pitches, Glen Phillips and Kane Williamson excelled, scoring centuries in warm-up games.
However, the team remains conscious of South Africa’s potent bowling lineup, including Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, who missed the tri-series but proved challenging for any batting side. New Zealand secured significant wins against Pakistan in Karachi and Bangladesh in Rawalpindi by executing strong performances in batting, bowling, and fielding.
South Africa enters the semifinals with confidence, having convincingly defeated Afghanistan and a distressed England in the group stages. Despite their crucial match with Australia being rained out in Rawalpindi, a point from that game allowed them to top the group. South Africa’s top-order batters showcased their form early on, with Ryan Rickelton scoring his first ODI century against Afghanistan, and Klaasen delivering a rapid half-century against England.
The Proteas proceed to their third consecutive knockout game in an ICC tournament, determined to surpass last year’s T20 World Cup final loss to India in the Caribbean. Klaasen conveyed a sense of assurance, highlighting the team’s growing experience in high-pressure semifinals. “We have a bit more composure in the crucial moments now,” he said. “The team is eager to capitalize on our current form.”
