The Indian head coach, Gautam Gambhir, has found himself at the center of controversy after firing back at critics who suggested that India had an "undeniable advantage" in the Champions Trophy thanks to the fact that all their matches are in Dubai. Gambhir was speaking in the post-match press conference after India's win over Australia when he elaborated vehemently on the critics' comments that sparked a backlash from South Africa, to which the media called, among others, his rebuttal "arrogant.".

With the criticisms brazenly leveled against the team, Gambhir held nothing back. "Some people are just perpetual cribbers, man. They've got to grow up," he shot back, silencing the allegations. He also discarded the idea of there being any kind of an advantage to be had, claiming not even the Indian team had practiced at the venue of the tournament.

"What undue advantage? We haven't practiced here even a day. We practice at ICC Academy, and the conditions here and there are 180 degrees different," he explained.

Sections of South African media did not take Gambhir's outspoken remarks in good faith and accused him of having an overly defensive and dismissive attitude. Some reports labeled his remarks as arrogant and maintained he failed to acknowledge the concern over the timing and venues of the tournament. 

Gautam Gambhir Targeted By South Africa Media With 'Hollow Victory' Jibe: "Cringe-Worthy..."https://t.co/V8HENX12K9 pic.twitter.com/NB2HbTsK9h

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 6, 2025

Also Read: Once Again The Topic Of Disadvantage Ignites In Champions Trophy 2025

This heated argument has made cricket fans and analysts fall out of favor with one another. Most of them are coming in favor of Gambhir. His team played well and was given a stern reply to the people against it; bad comments according to the few people. 

As the Champions Trophy matures, this debate will likely intensify the already charged atmosphere of the competition. Gambhir may or may not speak any further words. He may just let his team's action do the talking

New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson broke several records in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final match against South Africa in Lahore. Their titanic 164-run partnership is now the Black Caps' all-time highest-ever stand in the history of the tournament.

Both the centurions are back in the hut. New Zealand are 252/3 after 40 overs.

📸: JioStar pic.twitter.com/uOalYeMsUb

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Both the batsmen also scored centuries, playing key roles in helping New Zealand to a huge total of 362 runs.

Ravindra's Century and Record-Breaking Stand

Ravindra was the key to this record-breaking alliance, hitting an unbelievable 108 off 101 deliveries. His innings were laced with classy shots and elegant shot-making before he was dismissed in the 34th over. Kagiso Rabada got rid of him with a wide off-cutter, which brought about an edge, that Heinrich Klaasen glove-slid behind the stumps safely.

Williamson Completes His Ton After Ravindra’s Departure

Williamson came in to join Ravindra quite early in the innings after Will Young was dismissed within the initial 10 overs. The pair took the Kiwis beyond the 210-run mark, keeping the South African bowlers on their toes.
Whereas Ravindra batted with ferocity, Williamson kept the scoreboard ticking through well-timed singles and strategic boundary hits. After Ravindra got out, Williamson batted on smoothly with Daryl Mitchell.

ALSO SEE: We will play fearless cricket says Pakistan New T20 captain Salman Ali Aga

He completed his century in the 40th over, reaching it in 91 balls. His innings, though, came to an end at 102 off 94 balls when he tried a scoop shot off Wiaan Mulder but could not get a clean connection. His elegant knock contained 10 fours and 2 sixes.

A Record-Breaking Partnership

The 164-run stand between Williamson and Ravindra is now the highest by a New Zealand pair in Champions Trophy history. According to Cricbuzz, the earlier record was a 163-run partnership between Scott Styris and Nathan Astle against the USA at The Oval in 2004.

Two players scoring centuries in the same innings in ICC knockouts

S Watson & R Ponting vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2009 CT SF
T Dilshan & U Tharanga vs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿, 2011 WC QF
T Head & S Smith vs 🇮🇳, 2023 WTC Final
V Kohli & S Iyer vs 🇳🇿, 2023 WC SF
R Ravindra & K Williamson vs 🇿🇦, 2025 CT SF… pic.twitter.com/U0iSnghg96

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

Moreover, Ravindra and Williamson are also the new record holders of the highest partnership against South Africa in the tournament. The old record was also 163, which was held by England's Paul Collingwood and Owais Shah in 2009.

Massive Feats for the Duo

Ravindra was the first New Zealand cricketer to make more than one century in a single Champions Trophy season. Williamson later joined him in the exclusive club of NZ batsmen with more than one Champions Trophy hundred overall.

Ravindra has now achieved the second-lowest number of innings to reach five ODI centuries for New Zealand, as per Cricbuzz. Only Devon Conway has done it quicker, reaching the mark in 22 innings.

At the same time, Williamson is currently second on the list of New Zealand batsmen with the most ODI centuries against one team. He trails Nathan Astle (five against India) and Ross Taylor (five against England).

Thanks to their record-breaking innings, Ravindra and Williamson have secured their position in New Zealand cricket history, leading their side to a strong total in a high-pressure semi-final.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming Between SA vs NZ and Match Details

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 continues with an exciting match between South Africa vs New Zeland on March 5, 2025. The match will be played at the Lahore.live streaming details of SA vs NZ

Match Details

• Teams: South Africa vs. New Zeland
• Date: March 5, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM IST
• Venue: Lahore

LIVE STREAMING DETAILS OF THE SA VS NZ

ALSO READ:SA vs NZ Today Match Prediction – Who Will Win? | Match 14, Semi-Finals, ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Preview & Analysis

South Africa vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XI

South Africa Playing XI

Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markaram, Rassie Van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand Playing XI

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O Rourkee

Match Details:

South Africa Probable Playing XI:

ALSO SEE: Virat Kohli on Top: India's Best Catchers in International Cricket

New Zealand Probable Playing XI:

Key Players:

Match Preview & Key Battles:

Bavuma vs Henry: The South African captain will seek to counter Henry's new-ball threat.

Rabada vs Williamson: A battle of importance between South Africa's pace master and New Zealand's batting pillar.

Santner vs Klaasen & Miller: The Kiwi bowler will seek to manage South Africa's middle-order big-hitters.

Jansen & Ngidi vs Young & Ravindra: Early wickets might decide the game's direction.

Both sides have well-rounded teams, creating a thrilling encounter in the Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa's pace attack will be put to the test against New Zealand's determination, creating an exciting showdown for cricket enthusiasts around the globe. Watch out for what is sure to be an electrifying match!

A repeat of the 2015 World Cup Semi-Finals is upon us. David Miller, Matt Henry and Kane Williamson remain from the day and on the famous day David Miller was on fire in the first innings only to go down in tears towards the end. Both sides are known to struggle in the knockouts after looking like Lions in the group stage but now stand a chance at making a Final. Another Semi-Final thriller could be around with both teams looking solid and balanced.

SA vs NZ Match Details

Date: March 5th, 2025

Time:  2:30 PM IST

Venue: Lahore

SA vs NZ Weather Report

Clear weather and a nice evening is expected for the game.

See Also: Rishabh Pant nominated for Special Award

South Africa vs New Zealand Pitch Report

Average Score Batting First in the last five games: 317

Average Score Batting Second in the last five games: 308

Wins Batting First in the last four games: 2

Wins Batting Second in the last four games: 2

Batting has been a lot better in Lahore with batting first and getting runs on the board looking a better option.

See Also: South Africa vs New Zealand Dream XI Prediction

South Africa vs New Zealand Head to Head

South Africa vs New Zealand Predicted Playing XI

South Africa Playing XI

Ryan Rickleton, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markaram, Rassie Van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

New Zealand Playing XI

Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O Rourkee

South Africa vs New Zealand Key Players

David Miller

David Miller remains from 2015 and he knows well how the pain of defeat in knockouts are. He has seen his side lose a lot of knockouts in the interim as well and will be eager to ensure he gets through this one successfully.

Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips has been rocking it in the field. With the bat too he is getting the runs at a quick pace but his fielding has given a lot of applause. 

SA vs NZ Match Tips

Both teams are pretty well balanced and its now a matter of who makes fewer mistakes. New Zealand are a touch more composed and could back themselves in this aspect.

Match Prediction: New Zealand Will Win the Match

SA vs NZ Match Preview

It's a big game in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa will face New Zealand in the tournament's second semifinal, and we anticipate both teams to fight hard for a spot in the championship game. South Africa will be comfortable after defeating England in their most recent league game. New Zealand must recover from a poor performance against India, in which they squandered an easy run chase. The South Africans have an undefeated record in this tournament. The batting lineup has performed admirably, and the bowling attack appears to be in top form. It will boost their confidence in this contest.

SA vs NZ Match Details 

South Africa vs New Zealand – Semi Final-2 Match, Champions Trophy 2025

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Date & Time: 05th March 2025 at 02:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

SA vs NZ Venue Stats

SA vs NZ Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium at Lahore should offer a batting-friendly surface due to its consistent pace and bounce. Once the new ball has worn off, the conditions in the first innings appear to be favorable for batters. 

SA vs NZ Weather Report

Rain is unlikely to ruin what should be a fantastic match, with only a 5% chance of rain. The rest of the weather will be extremely warm and humid. The players will require plenty of liquids.

SA vs NZ Last Five Matches

SA vs NZ Head-to-Head Stats

South Africa vs New Zealand Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Champions Trophy 2025: AFG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction

SA vs NZ Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand Probable Playing XIs

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

South Africa Probable Playing XIs

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

Topmost Picks for SA vs NZ Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa

• Ryan Rickelton – Ryan Rickelton, a wicketkeeper-batsman, is one of the best players in South African domestic cricket right now. At the ODI level, he has a century and a half century.
• Keshav Maharaj – With his crafty bowling, spinner Keshav Maharaj brings experience and control to the middle overs. In two ODIs, the left-arm spinner has taken four wickets.

Top Picks – New Zealand

• Kane Williamson – The high-quality ODI batter has more than 7000 career ODI runs and is likely to get a start in this semi-final.
• Matt Henry – Matt Henry will be confident with his 5-wicket haul and must strike early in the game. His experience and ability to extract seam movement with the new ball make him a formidable force with ball in hand.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for South Africa vs New Zealand Dream11 Team:

Tom Latham, Will Young, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Kane Williamson, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen(C), Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry(VC), Kagiso Rabada

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for South Africa vs New Zealand Dream11 Team:

Tom Latham, Rachin Ravindra(C), Heinrich Klaasen(VC), Rassie van der Dussen, Kane Williamson, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Matt Henry, Kagiso Rabada

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Rachin Ravindra, Marco Jansen

Vice-captain – Heinrich Klaasen, Matt Henry

Wicketkeeper – Heinrich Klaasen

SA vs NZ Probable Winners:

New Zealand's confidence will be low after losing the previous game. It was in the bag, but the team became overly defensive during the run chase, losing its advantage. Their batsmen must be more aggressive in this game. South Africans accomplished everything right in the tournament and have a more diverse batting lineup. The game will be close, but the South Africans will have an advantage. Considering the team combination, South Africa is expected to win this match.

In an inspiring display of talent and tenacity, a rising star has marked his arrival on the international scene with a 150 runs on ODI debut. In Lahore, against the bowling line of New Zealand . Matthew Breetzke has proved himself ready to take on the best in the world.

A Debut to Remember:

In his ODI debut against New Zealand, LSG player proved that he's a hard hitter at the top level of cricket. Matthew Breetzke played his innings against some of the world's best bowlers and made an impressive knock of 150 runs from 148 balls. That brilliant knock was the turner for his team and showed how the player can play under pressure and in big games.

ALSO SEE :  IPL 2025: Suresh Raina Confirms ,who will Lead RCB check it out!

MATTHEW BREETZKE, TAKE A BOW 🫡

- 150 runs from 148 balls on his ODI Debut against Matt Henry & co at Lahore...!!!!

Waiting for Breetzke in LSG jersey in IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/pCkF79WLky

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2025

Next for Matthew Breetzke in IPL 2025 !

This exceptional ODI display sets the foundation for much greater things. In his vision going forward, people will look toward his IPL 2025 adventure with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). The batting that he displays at international level is going to ensure him as a big-ticket player for LSG in this season. The platform offered by the IPL does give one a chance to unleash explosive players, and with this kind of form, he is likely to make a big splash.

Fans want to see how well he will cope in the high-pressure world of the IPL, and if his ODI debut is anything to go by, there's plenty of excitement ahead.

In the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, New Zealand Women set a competitive target of 159 runs for South Africa Women at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. After being put into bat by South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt, New Zealand Women posted 158/5 in their 20 overs.

The match saw impressive performances from both teams, especially during critical partnerships and key bowling spells that kept the contest tightly balanced.

Strong performances by Amelia Kerr and Brooke Halliday

New Zealand opener Georgia Plimmer was dismissed early, but veteran Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr stabilized the innings with a 37-run partnership for the second wicket. Bates contributed 32 off 31 balls, but it was Kerr's steady presence that anchored the innings.

Amelia Kerr's 43 off 38 balls proved crucial, especially when she teamed up with Brooke Halliday for a vital 57-run partnership. Halliday's 38 off 28 balls kept the momentum going, setting a strong platform for the White Ferns. Kerr's composed knock featured four boundaries, helping her side post a competitive total.

 

 

 

 

 

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White Ferns accelerate in the final overs

New Zealand Women finished their innings strongly, adding 41 runs in the last four overs. Maddy Green played an important cameo, smashing 12 not out from just six balls, including a massive six, which was the only one of the innings. Green's final push took the total close to the 160-run mark, ensuring that South Africa Women would face a challenging chase.

The White Ferns batted strategically during the slog overs, adding critical runs while maintaining wickets in hand. Despite a few hiccups, their late acceleration kept the pressure on the South African bowlers.

See Also: Watch: Mohammed Shami confidently bowling in nets

South Africa’s Nonkululeko Mlaba shines with two wickets

Among South Africa Women’s bowlers, Nonkululeko Mlaba stood out with impressive figures of 2/31 in her four overs. She played a key role by breaking important partnerships, including dismissing the dangerous Amelia Kerr.

Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, and Nadine de Klerk also contributed with one wicket each, but it wasn’t enough to prevent New Zealand from setting a formidable total.

 

 

 

 

 

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SA-W vs NZ-W Match Preview

The regular-season games are over, and we've had two exciting semifinals. We're in the final of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024. South Africa Women will face New Zealand Women in this big game, as the world waits to crown a new champion. South Africa will be confident after defeating the defending champs Australia Women in the first semi-final. New Zealand Women defeated West Indies Women in the second semi-final. The South Africa Women's team has been in good form in recent games. They have only lost once in their last six games while defeating formidable opponents. Their batters are in good form, which will give the team confidence. 

SA-W vs NZ-W Match Details

South Africa-W vs New Zealand-W – Final Match, Women's World Cup 2024

Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Date & Time: 20th October 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Disney+Hotstar

SA-W vs NZ-W Venue Stats

SA-W vs NZ-W Pitch Report

The pitch is small, and the outfield is extremely fast. There isn't much for bowlers to work with, and both quick bowlers and spinners have struggled on this track.

SA-W vs NZ-W Weather Report

It will be a warm evening, and we expect a batting-friendly wicket where fast bowlers will struggle. 

SA-W vs NZ-W Last Five Matches

SA-W vs NZ-W Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: Women's T20 World Cup 2024: India suffer a big defeat against New Zealand

SA-W vs NZ-W Probable Playing XIs:

New Zealand-W Probable Playing XIs

Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Georgia Plimmer, Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday, Maddy Green, Isabella Gaze (wk), Rosemary Mair, Lea Tahuhu, Eden Carson, Fran Jonas

South Africa-W Probable Playing XIs

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Anneke Bosch, Marizanne Kapp, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta (wk), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka

Topmost Picks for SA-W vs NZ-W Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – South Africa-W

• Laura Wolvaardt – Laura Wolvaardt is the leading run-scorer of this tournament and is averaging 47.50. She has scored at least 40 runs in 4 of her last 5 games.
• Nonkululeko Mlaba – Nonkululeko Mlaba has picked up 10 wickets. She bowled a dream spell in the last game and shall look to put pressure on the batters in the middle overs

Top Picks – New Zealand-W

• Georgia Plimmer –  She was the standout performer with the bat for New Zealand women and finished the innings with the top-score 53 runs off 44 balls with the help of four boundaries.
• Amelia Kerr – She is the leading wicket-taker for the team with 7 wickets. 

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for SA-W vs NZ-W Dream11 Team:

Maddy Green, Laura Wolvaardt(VC), Tazmin Brits, Georgia Plimmer, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr(C), Sophie Devine, Marizanne Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Eden Carson, Ayabonga Khaka

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for SA-W vs NZ-W Dream11 Team:

Maddy Green, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Suzie Bates, Amelia Kerr, Sophie Devine, Marizanne Kapp(C), Nonkululeko Mlaba, Eden Carson(VC), Rosemary Mair, Ayabonga Khaka

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Marizanne Kapp, Amelia Kerr

Vice-captain – Eden Carson, Laura Wolvaardt

Wicketkeeper – Maddy Green

SA-W vs NZ-W Probable Winners:

It is a high-pressure game, and neither team wants to finish second after coming this far in the competition. New Zealand is punching above its weight and boasts a formidable bowling attack. However, the batting lineup has not been at its peak, and they must perform well if the team is to win. The South Africans have been clinical, winning games by wide margins. We anticipate a close dispute, but the South Africans have an advantage based on their current form. Considering the team combination, New Zealand-W is expected to win this match.

Gary Stead, the head coach of New Zealand, expresses confidence in Kane Williamson’s fitness ahead of the Mt. Maunganui Test against South Africa. Williamson, a key batsman, had to withdraw during the T20I series against Pakistan due to a minor hamstring strain.

Dealing with injuries over the past 10 months, including an ACL rupture in IPL 2023, Williamson’s selection has been approached conservatively by New Zealand’s team management, prioritizing his workload management.

Stead anticipates Williamson’s return to training in a few days, emphasizing the importance of allowing him sufficient recovery time. Despite the temptation to ease Williamson’s timeline given South Africa’s inexperienced Test side, Stead is cautious, recognizing the challenge posed by the Proteas and their determination to prove themselves. New Zealand has never beaten South Africa in a Test series, adding significance to the upcoming contest.

Stead’s Outlook: Williamson’s Return and Boult’s Future in Focus for New Zealand

Trent Boult, not bound by a central contract and now a free player, may return for the T20Is against Australia, with an eye on securing a spot in the T20 World Cup squad later in the year. Coach Stead plans to discuss Boult’s future this week, acknowledging uncertainty but highlighting the team’s preparedness, evidenced by impressive performances from Ben Sears and the returning Lockie Ferguson in the bowling department against Pakistan.

See Also:AUS vs WI: Cricket Australia Announces 13-Member ODI Squad, Steven Smith to Captain, Rest for Key Players

Stead commends the bowling group’s excellence throughout, noting the alternating performances of Sears and Ferguson, along with accurate and demanding spells from Southee, Milne, Henry, Santner, and Sodhi, putting significant pressure on Pakistan in the series.