The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that spectators attending tomorrow’s semi-final match between South Africa and New Zealand will be treated to a free Iftar.
Fans can collect an Iftar box containing dates, juice, and mini pizza by presenting their match tickets at the venue.
South Africa will continue their quest for their first ICC silverware since 1998 when they face New Zealand in Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. This match follows a high-scoring encounter between the two teams last month.
The teams have met only twice in the 50-over format since 2019, with the most recent encounter taking place in Lahore during a Tri-Series match on February 10. South Africa batted first and posted a score of 304 for six, but New Zealand chased down the target with ease, winning by six wickets with eight balls remaining.
This time, South Africa’s bowling attack will be much stronger, with fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, alongside the experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj, making up their attack.
“We know how strong South Africa are. They’ve got all bases covered in terms of batting, bowling, and fielding. I’m sure it’ll be a fantastic game,” said New Zealand batter Tom Latham.
South Africa has reached the semi-finals or finals of ICC tournaments 13 times across both limited-overs formats, with only the 1998 Champions Trophy title to show for it. They reached the semi-finals of the 2023 50-over World Cup but were defeated by Australia, and last year made it to the T20 World Cup final, where they lost to India despite looking like certain winners. South Africa is also set to play in the final of the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord’s in June.
According to all-rounder Marco Jansen, South Africa’s experience in knockout tournaments will be a key advantage. “I wouldn’t say the mindset changes, it’s just the occasion that’s probably a bit more hyped up,” said Jansen. “You stick to your processes. It’s just having your steps or guides that you follow in every match, and then in the semi-finals, you try to execute them extraordinarily well.”
New Zealand has a similar record, with their only ICC limited-overs tournament win coming in the 2000 Champions Trophy. They’ve had several near misses in the years since.
South Africa has called up spinning all-rounder George Linde as cover for Aiden Markram, who injured his hamstring during their final pool match against England. Linde, who arrived in Lahore on Tuesday, is unlikely to feature in Wednesday’s match but may be a consideration for a potential final against India in Dubai on Sunday, especially if the pitch favors spin.
