ICC Champions Trophy: 5 players to watch out for in the SA vs NZ clash

The 2025 ICC Champions Trophy has been an intense and highly competitive tournament, showcasing the finest talents from the top eight ODI nations. Each match has been a display of high-class cricket, with teams battling fiercely for supremacy. From thrilling last-over finishes to dominant performances, the tournament has delivered everything. The group stage witnessed intense rivalries, with teams leaving no stone unturned in their quest for a semi-final spot. As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 heads into its knockout phase, all eyes are on the high-stakes semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand. Both teams have battled through the group stages with remarkable consistency, and now, just one step away from the final. 

The Proteas have been a dominant force in the tournament, showcasing their trademark aggressive batting and fiery pace attack. Led by Temba Bavuma, their top order has been in scintillating form, with key players stepping up when it matters the most. Their bowling unit, featuring a mix of raw pace and crafty spin, has dismantled opposition line-ups, making them one of the most well-balanced sides in the competition. The Black Caps have once again proven why they are one of the most consistent teams in world cricket.

With a reputation for punching above their weight in global tournaments, New Zealand have blended experience and youth. Their middle order has been rock-solid, while their pace attack led by world-class seamers has exploited the opposition batters. The 2nd semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand is going to take place on March 5, Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Here’s a list of 5 players to watch out for in the SA vs NZ semi-final clash:

1: Kane Williamson

The backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, Kane Williamson has been one of the finest batters with a tactical mind in world cricket. His ability to read match situations, rotate the strike, and build an innings under pressure makes him a key figure in the upcoming semi-final. His technical prowess allows him to play both spin and pace with ease, making him a difficult batter to dismiss. Williamson has delivered on the big stage multiple times, guiding New Zealand to the ICC finals. He builds his innings by rotating the strike and accelerating when needed, making him a vital asset in the crucial encounter.

As of now, Kane Williamson has played 3 matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 87 runs with 81 as his highest.

2: Ryan Rickelton

One of South Africa’s exciting top-order batters, Ryan Rickelton is an aggressive and fearless batter. His aggressive stroke play and positive intent make him one of the most dangerous batters in the powerplay. His success largely depends on how well he negotiates the new ball as he can find boundaries with ease. Apart from his aggressive nature, he also can dig in and play long innings when required. Ryan’s role will be crucial in ensuring South Africa to the finals. Rickelton has played 2 matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scoring 130 runs with 103 being his highest.

3: Matt Henry

One of New Zealand’s most reliable pacers for a long time, Matt Henry has been a constant threat to the opposition in ICC tournaments. His ability to extract swing and seam movement, especially with the new ball, makes him a nightmare for top-order batters. He bowls a tight line and length, forcing batters to play at deliveries they would rather leave. His ability to generate extra bounce also makes him lethal against batters who struggle with short-pitched deliveries. Henry’s primary role will be to remove the aggressive batters of South Africa early in the powerplay. Henry has played 3 matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, taking eight wickets with 5/42 being his best.

4: Wiaan Mulder

Versatile all-rounder, Wiaan Mulder has been a crucial asset for the South African team in the white-ball format. His presence in the South African team brings balance, offering both stability in the middle order and a reliable seam-bowling option. His ability to bowl tight lines and generate movement makes him a useful weapon, especially in the middle overs.

Wiaan Mulder has played 2 matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 12 runs and taking 5 wickets.

5: Tom Latham

One of New Zealand’s most dependable batters, Tom Latham has built a name for himself in the limited overs format. His ability to construct an innings and absorb pressure makes him a key batter in the team’s batting lineup. Latham plays spin exceptionally well and would be crucial in accelerating the innings in the middle overs. Tom Latham has played 3 matches in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, scoring 187 runs with 118* being his highest.