South Africa preparing for knockout game as any other, says Bavuma

Captain Temba Bavuma said South Africa will not change their approach for Wednesday's Champions Trophy semifinal against New Zealand despite the team's poor record in knockout matches.

South Africa have a history of coming up short on the global stage, losing their 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal to Australia and the T20 World Cup final to India last year.

That continued a long trend of disappointing results at major tournaments, but Bavuma is keen not to dwell on the past.

IT’S SEMI-FINAL TIME! 🇿🇦

The Proteas are just one step away from the #ChampionsTrophy final, but first, it’s a showdown against New Zealand! 🏏#WozaNawe and rally behind the green and gold — history is calling! 🏆💪

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"We will approach the semifinal as we normally would," said Bavuma, whose team topped Group B after big wins over England and Afghanistan, and a wash-out against Australia.

"It's just another game for us, yes it's important but we definitely won't be blowing it out of proportion that it's a semifinal."

Bavuma is well aware of the challenges posed by New Zealand, who beat hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh before losing to India in Group A.

"Obviously we want to play our best cricket come tomorrow. We understand New Zealand will come with certain challenges and we will have to prepare accordingly," said Bavuma, who played down the Kiwis' 44-run defeat by India in Dubai on Sunday.

"They (New Zealand) have lost to India which is a strong team especially in Dubai," said Bavuma.

"But I don't think New Zealand will be down on any type of confidence. They have won most of their matches, so from the confidence point of view they won't be lacking."

New Zealand beat a depleted South Africa in Lahore by six wickets last month in a tri-series match ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Bavuma said that game allowed them to get a better idea of what to expect from New Zealand.

"I think that game gave us a look at the New Zealand team," said Bavuma. "They will not be different from that match but we are different and strong."

"I think New Zealand has a formidable bowling attack, quite a disciplined attack, they do not give much to the batters so we have to work hard," he added.

"But we are also confident of our bowling attack, so it will be a good show on offer by the two bowling attacks."

Bavuma said he and opener Tony de Zorzi – who both missed South Africa's last game against England on health grounds – have recovered, but there are doubts over Aiden Markram.

"Tony and I are well and will train but Aiden will undergo a fitness test (on a hamstring injury)," said Bavuma.

"George Linde, a travelling reverse is with the squad so if anything doesn't come according to plan in that perspective can be included."

It's almost time for Semi-Final 2 in the #ChampionsTrophy as our Proteas are set to take on New Zealand 🌎🏆🏏🔥.

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— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 4, 2025