New Zealand is confident ahead of their Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa despite enduring a challenging travel schedule. Skipper Mitchell Santner assured that the team is ready to perform at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
New Zealand began their ODI tournament campaign in Pakistan with two wins but suffered a 44-run defeat to India in Dubai on Sunday. Following the match, team flew back to Pakistan for their semi-final encounter. Despite hectic schedule, Santner expressed optimism about their preparation.
“It was actually more of a daytime sleep,” Santner said on Tuesday. “Travel was tough, but it’s good to have it behind us. Now, we can reset, train, and focus on tomorrow’s game.”
Champions Trophy is being played under a hybrid model due to India’s refusal to travel to Pakistan. As a result, India played all their matches and semi-final in Dubai, while other Group A teams—Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh—had to travel to Dubai to face them. India secured three victories, setting up their semi-final against Australia in Dubai on Tuesday.
Critics have raised concerns over tournament’s structure, arguing that it provided India with an unfair advantage. South Africa also traveled to Dubai without knowing their semi-final opponent but returned to Pakistan within 24 hours without playing a game.
Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Finalists Confirmed
Santner acknowledged the challenges of international scheduling. “Rest and recovery are crucial in such tournaments,” he said. “One-day cricket takes a toll on body, so ensuring our bowlers are fresh is essential.“
Despite their demanding travel, New Zealand has recovered well and is prepared for crucial match. South Africa, on the other hand, reached semi-finals after dominant wins over England and Afghanistan.
“They are a well-balanced side,” Santner remarked. “They have four strong seamers, and Lahore might not offer as much spin as Dubai. We are aware of their key players—Maharaj, Shamsi, and Markram—who add depth to their bowling attack.“
New Zealand remains confident and determined as they look to secure a place in the final.