New Zealand have won the toss and have opted to bat in the second semi final of the Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. New Zealand knocked South Africa out on both occasions in the 2011 and 2015 World Cups. The fact that the Kiwis came out on top in the recent Tri-nations game against the Proteas will further boost their confidence. South Africa have been outstanding so far. The Proteas fired on all cylinders in their opening game against Afghanistan. Riding on the back of Rickelton’s ton and a solid show from their middle-order, they scored above 300 and their bowlers prospered to knock Afghanistan over for 208. Their next game against Australia was washed out due to rain. 

The Proteas came up against a misfiring English side in their final group game and toppled them comprehensively with a brilliant all-round show that enabled them to top Group B. The good news for South Africa is that Markram has recovered from a niggle and has passed the fitness test. These two teams are quite evenly matched on paper. Both teams have powerful batting lineups and have an incisive pace attack. The only telling difference might be in the spin department. The Kiwis have Santner and Bracewell in their ranks who bowl in probing channels. . New Zealand though faltered in their last group game against India. On a slow, low surface, their batters succumbed to pressure against India’s quality spinners. Williamson fought a lone battle albeit in a losing cause.