New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first against the Proteas in their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final clash on Wednesday.
Image: AFP
New Zealand have won the toss and decided to bat first in the second ICC Champions Trophy against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
The battle of the southern hemisphere cricket titans promises to be an epic showdown as both teams topped their respective groups leading up to the semis.
India beat Australia on Tuesday to seize their spot in the final. Their progress in the tournament has been shrouded in controversy because they have played every game in Dubai.
The Proteas, meanwhile, have a star-studded line-up, with Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller being the two most significant players in the middle order. Klaasen was recently ruled fit to play after suffering an elbow injury during the earlier stages of the tournament, and is expected to play a big role in their bout against the Black Caps.
Aiden Markram also had to undergo a fitness test which he passed ahead of Wednesday’s semi-final.
On Tuesday, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma said they want to put their best foot forward against the Black Caps and was happy to have Markram back in the team.
South Africa also played New Zealand in a tri-series game prior to the tournament, which they lost by six wickets. Bavuma said the game gave them an opportunity to size up their opponents.
“The team we played against, I don’t think it will be too far away from what they put out (Wednesday),” Bavuma said.
"Obviously, our side will be different from that team. The conditions, dimensions will come into play as well. The last time, there was one short side and one lengthy side.
The last game that was played here (in Gadaffi) between Australia and Afghanistan, the ball swung quite a bit. But I think only time will tell really.
TEAMS
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (capt), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke
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