CT 2025 South Africa vs New Zealand Semi-Final: Strengths, Weaknesses And Key Insights

South Africa and New Zealand will face off in the second semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday. While South Africa have had an easy route to the knockout stage, New Zealand started well with wins against host Pakistan and Bangladesh before crumbling against the Indian spinners in Dubai. The second semi-final will essentially be a contest between the two best fast bowling units on the best batting track in the tournament.

We analyse the strengths and weaknesses of the two teams ahead of the key encounter.

SOUTH AFRICA


Watch out for Rassie van der Dussen


South Africa's top-order has got some runs and that will stand them in good stead against New Zealand on what is the best batting surface in the competition. Lahore has a batting average of 39.6 and strike rate of 103.8 in the tournament suggesting that not only have teams scored big but have also got their runs at a fair clip at the venue.



Ryan Rickelton set the tone for South Africa with a majestic 103 off just 106 deliveries against Afghanistan in his country's tournament opener at Karachi. He will again look to provide South Africa a rollicking start at the top of the order. Temba Bavuma and Aiden Markram have also registered a fifty each in the competition but the key in the top 4 will be Rassie van der Dussen. Despite an indifferent 2024, van der Dussen boasts of an average of almost 50 (49.76) in ODI cricket and has already made a statement with two quick-fire fifties in the tournament. He smashed a brilliant 133 off just 118 deliveries in the last big clash against New Zealand – at the 2023 World Cup in India in Pune – powering South Africa to a match-winning 350-plus total.




Klaasen – the X-factor


Heinrich Klaasen will be the X-factor for South Africa. He