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SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction: 3 Top Captain Or Vice-Captain Choices For 2nd Semi-Final Of Champions Trophy 2025

Aakash Saini

SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction [Source: @TheRealPCB/x]SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction [Source: @TheRealPCB/x]

South Africa (SA) and New Zealand (NZ) cricket teams to cross paths in the second semifinal of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday, March 5. Set to be hosted by the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the winner of the match will set a place in the finals.

South Africa topped the Group B points table of the tournament by securing two wins from two completed matches. Their planned fixture against Australia on February 25 was abandoned without a ball being bowled. The Proteas finished the opening round of the competition with five points and a formidable NRR of 2.395, having registered emphatic wins over Afghanistan and England after going winless in the preceding ODI tri-series in Pakistan.

The New Zealand cricket team entered the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan on the heels of a remarkable tri-series win. The ‘Black Caps’ sustained their winning momentum with comprehensive outings against Pakistan and Bangladesh to qualify for the semifinals. However, the Mitchell Santner-led side had its winning run abrupted by Team India to ensure that they finished second on the Group A points table with four points and an NRR of 0.267.

Top 3 Captain and Vice-Captain Choices for SA vs NZ

The surface at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is easily one of the flattest wickets in Pakistan at the moment. In the last five ODI matches hosted by the venue, all since February this year, the average first innings total has amounted to a staggering 317. Moreover, teams batting first have racked up totals in excess of 300 in four of those five games, and the teams batting second has managed to chase down its 300-plus target twice during the period.

While the surface here has not offered much seam movement off late, fast bowlers might get some spongy bounce off the deck.

3. Wiaan Mulder

Why Will Wiaan Mulder Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs NZ?

While the conditions at the Gaddafi Stadium is expected to assist batters, South African speedster Wiaan Mulder has emerged as one of the leading fast bowlers of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. In his two innings so far, Mulder has picked up five wickets at an impressive bowling average of 12.20.

Moreover, Wiaan Mulder can also go berserk with the bat, especially during the slog overs. He has already whacked two ODI half-centuries in his career and holds an attacking strike rate of 84.01 in the format. In List A cricket overall, Mulder strikes at close to 94.

2. Tom Latham

Why Will Tom Latham Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs NZ?

New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tom Latham has tallied 187 runs in just three innings of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at an average of 93.50. He listed 118* of those runs in a winning cause for New Zealand against Pakistan to start off the tournament on February 19. He followed it up with another swift 55 against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.

Tom Latham also holds an experience of 155 ODI matches, making him one of the most seasoned members in the current New Zealand line-up. His decade-long knowledge of the game, coupled with several appearances in ICC knockouts, will surely come in handy for New Zealand in the impending semifinal against South Africa.

1. Ryan Rickelton

Why Will Ryan Rickelton Be A Good Choice As The Captain Or Vice-Captain For SA vs NZ?

Ryan Rickelton has scored the most runs among all South African players in the ongoing 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with 130 runs from just two innings. He belted a match-winning ton against Afghanistan in Karachi, and made a swift 27 at the top of the order against England next up. Rickelton has also scored his runs at an astonishing strike rate of 99.23.

Ryan Rickelton’s career strike rate also stands at an astounding 93.25. His penchant of scoring quick runs at the top of the order will surely place South Africa in good stead against New Zealand bowlers on a batting-friendly Lahore surface.