The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that fans attending tomorrow’s ICC Champions Trophy semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore will be treated to free Iftar. Spectators can claim their Iftar box, containing dates, juice, and a mini pizza, by presenting their match tickets.
The semi-final marks South Africa’s continued pursuit of their first ICC silverware since their 1998 Champions Trophy win. The Proteas face New Zealand, a team they recently lost to in a high-scoring Tri-Series match in Lahore. This time, South Africa will field a stronger bowling line-up, including Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinner Keshav Maharaj.
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New Zealand batter Tom Latham acknowledged South Africa’s all-round strength but expects a competitive game. Both teams have experienced semi-final heartbreak in ICC tournaments, and South Africa hopes to overcome their reputation of falling short in crucial moments.
South Africa all-rounder Marco Jansen emphasized the need to focus on executing processes during high-pressure knockout matches. New Zealand, similarly, is looking to add another ICC trophy to their cabinet, having won the 2000 Champions Trophy.
South Africa’s George Linde has been called up as cover for Aiden Markram, who sustained a hamstring injury in their win over England, though Linde is unlikely to feature in the semi-final.
