Temba Bavuma Returns For South Africa As Mitchell Santner Opts To Bat First In Lahore

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first [Source: JioHotstar/X.com]

It's time for the highly-anticipated Champions Trophy 2025 clash between New Zealand and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. New Zealand have won the toss and opted to bat first.

Talking about the changes, South Africa have made one adjustment to their lineup, bringing in Temba Bavuma in place of Tristan Stubbs. Meanwhile, New Zealand have retained the same playing XI without any changes.

SA vs NZ: Playing XI's

New Zealand Playing XI: Rachin Ravindra, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner (c), William O'Rourke, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson

South Africa Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

SA vs NZ: Captains Thoughts

Temba Bavuma (South Africa Captain): "Look, we weren't too concerned. The preference would be to bat first. But we have to do well with the ball and restrict them to a low total. Just one change for us. Feeling much better today and I come into the side.

Learnings from the other day. Being in the semi-finals and getting to the finals, just seizing those key moments. I think we shouldn't do anything different. We would like to stay true to our methods and try to win this semi-final."

Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain): "We are having a bat first. Looks like a pretty good wicket. A used wicket but with the wind around, don't think there will be much dew around. It's a privilege to captain your country. It's about keep doing what we are doing. We are kind of familiar to what we are doing. South Africa is a good team and we are ready."

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