South Africa vs New Zealand: Champions Trophy Prep

Cricket fans worldwide are keeping a keen eye on the ongoing tri-series in Pakistan, featuring South Africa and New Zealand. While the series serves as a preparatory ground for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, both teams are dealing with unique challenges. New Zealand, despite a strong start, has suffered a blow with the injury to Rachin Ravindra, while South Africa is fielding a makeshift squad due to the recently concluded SA20 league.

Big Picture: New Zealand’s Solid Start and South Africa’s Challenges

New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan has begun on an excellent note. Their squad for the tri-series and the Champions Trophy seems tailor-made for the subcontinental conditions. Their first match against Pakistan was a commanding performance—well-paced batting followed by a spin-dominated bowling display that dismantled the hosts at Lahore’s renovated Gaddafi Stadium.

The Kiwis bowled 26 of their 47.5 overs with spin, demonstrating the effectiveness of slower bowlers under the stadium lights. Importantly, dew did not prove to be a major factor, a good sign for New Zealand’s spin-heavy attack as they prepare for the Champions Trophy.

However, they have been dealt an injury blow. Rachin Ravindra suffered a nasty forehead injury while fielding in the deep and required stitches. Though no serious damage was sustained, he is under observation for potential delayed concussion symptoms. Additionally, Lockie Ferguson’s injury concerns have worsened, putting his Champions Trophy participation in doubt.

On the other hand, South Africa enters the tri-series without a full-strength squad. The SA20 league ended just before this series, leaving South Africa with a team primarily drawn from domestic cricket. Captain Temba Bavuma has a unique opportunity to assess younger players and potential backups for the Champions Trophy, but the squad for that tournament will look quite different. The tri-series, however, will provide some insight into Pakistan’s conditions.

A Crucial Day Match – A Rare Scenario for the Series

One interesting aspect of this game is its starting time. This is the only day game in the tri-series, and the Champions Trophy will not have any matches in this time slot. A morning start in Lahore, coupled with the absence of the home team, Pakistan, is likely to result in lower attendance figures.

From a pitch perspective, a day game could make batting easier, as there will be no dew factor influencing the match. This could also enhance the effectiveness of New Zealand’s spinners, who have already proven their worth in these conditions.

---

Key Players in the Spotlight

Tom Latham (New Zealand) – In Desperate Need of Runs

New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Latham is going through a difficult patch with the bat. His struggles were evident in the first game against Pakistan, where he was dismissed for a duck in an otherwise dominant team performance.

His numbers over the past year tell a concerning story:

• In 2023, Latham averaged under 30 in 27 innings.
• In 2025, he has played just two ODIs, scoring only one run across both innings.
• Even in the Super Smash (New Zealand’s domestic T20 league), he scored just 95 runs in four innings at just over a run-a-ball strike rate.

With the Champions Trophy approaching, New Zealand needs their experienced middle-order batter to find form. Facing a weakened South African bowling attack presents him with an ideal opportunity to get back into rhythm.

Lungi Ngidi (South Africa) – A Chance to Prove Himself Again

Lungi Ngidi has had a rough SA20 campaign, and under normal circumstances, he may not have been included in this squad. However, due to injuries and the absence of key bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Gerald Coetzee, Ngidi finds himself in a crucial role.

A former regular across all formats for South Africa, Ngidi now has a chance to remind selectors of his abilities. He is just four wickets away from reaching 100 ODI wickets, and if he achieves this milestone, he will become the 13th South African to do so.

With the Champions Trophy on the horizon, Ngidi’s performance in this series could play a vital role in determining his role in the squad.

---

Predicted Playing XIs

With Rachin Ravindra injured, New Zealand will need a new opener. The most likely replacement is Devon Conway, an experienced batter with a strong record in subcontinental conditions. However, New Zealand is expected to retain the core of the XI that defeated Pakistan.

New Zealand (Probable XI)

1. Devon Conway
2. Will Young
3. Kane Williamson (capt)
4. Daryl Mitchell
5. Tom Latham (wk)
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Ben Sears
10. Matt Henry
11. Will O’Rourke

For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi have been added to the squad, but they are still awaiting the arrival of Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, and Tony de Zorzi, who won’t be available for this match.

South Africa (Probable XI)

1. Temba Bavuma (capt)
2. Jason Smith
3. Matthew Breetzke
4. Kyle Verreynne (wk)
5. Senuran Muthusamy
6. Wiaan Mulder
7. Mihali Mpongwana
8. Junior Dala
9. Tabraiz Shamsi
10. Ethan Bosch
11. Lungi Ngidi

---

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium pitch has been helpful to spinners so far in the series, but batting under daylight might make conditions easier for the batters. With no dew to worry about, New Zealand’s spinners—Santner, Bracewell, and Phillips—could be even more dangerous.

The weather is expected to be warm and sunny, ensuring a full game with no rain interruptions.

---

Key Stats and Trivia

• Lungi Ngidi needs four more wickets to complete 100 ODI wickets for South Africa.
• This is South Africa’s first ODI in Pakistan since 2007. Their last match in the country was one of their most famous ODI victories.

---

Final Thoughts: A Match with Different Priorities for Both Teams

While New Zealand will be aiming to maintain their strong form and further fine-tune their squad for the Champions Trophy, South Africa is looking for clues on which of their domestic talents might step up on the big stage.

With Rachin Ravindra out and Tom Latham desperate for runs, New Zealand will have areas to work on. Meanwhile, South Africa’s weakened squad will be eager to show they can compete with one of the world’s most consistent ODI sides.

Can New Zealand continue their dominance in Pakistan, or will South Africa’s young guns rise to the occasion? The battle unfolds in Lahore!