New Zealand have won the toss and elected to bat in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy against South Africa to be played at Qaddafi Stadium, Lahore today, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Wednesday.
The South African side, led by Temba Bavuma, finished first on the table after winning two of their two completed matches in Group B, while one was abandoned due to rain.
They ended with five points and a healthy net run rate of +2.395.
Although they are in a top form, they still might be depending on the fitness of their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma, who missed the last game against England due to an injury where Aiden Markram led the side in his place instead.
They are full of confidence, with plenty of all-rounders on their side who can take the game away from the opposition in a jiffy.
The return of Heinrich Klaasen has undoubtedly boosted their chances.
Conversely, the New Zealand team, under the leadership of Mitchell Santner, has proved to be quite effective in conditions, under which they will play at Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium today.
They finished second in Group A after winning two of their three matches while losing the one against India.
Kiwis qualified for the semi-finals after beating the Bangladesh and host Pakistan side from their group. The Black Caps lost to the Indian team by 44 runs after failing to chase down 250, where Kane Williamson was the top performer for them with 81.
South Africa (Playing XI): Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen(w), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand (Playing XI): Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham(w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner(c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke