Bavuma insists South Africa will not change approach for New Zealand semi-final
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has reiterated that his team will stick to their usual approach when they face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final on Wednesday, despite the Proteas’ history of struggles in knockout matches.
South Africa have fallen short at key moments in recent tournaments, including their semi-final loss to Australia at the 2023 ODI World Cup and their defeat to India in last year’s T20 World Cup final. However, Bavuma is keen to move forward without dwelling on past disappointments.
“We will approach the semi-final as we normally would,” Bavuma said. “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 semi-final.”
South Africa topped Group B with dominant wins over England and Afghanistan, while their match against Australia was washed out. Meanwhile, New Zealand finished second in Group A after victories against Pakistan and Bangladesh but suffered a 44-run loss to India.
Bavuma expects a strong challenge from the Black Caps, dismissing the idea that their recent defeat to India would dent their confidence.
“They have lost to India, which is a strong team, especially in Dubai,” he said. “But I don’t think New Zealand will be down on any type of confidence. They have won most of their matches, so from a confidence point of view, they won’t be lacking.”
The Proteas lost to a depleted New Zealand side in Lahore last month in a tri-series, but Bavuma believes his team has evolved since then.
“I think that game gave us a look at the New Zealand team,” he said. “They won’t be different from that match, but we are different and strong.”
Bavuma praised New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack but is equally confident in South Africa’s bowlers.
“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 said. “But we are also confident of our bowling attack, so it will be a good show on offer by the two bowling attacks.”
Bavuma confirmed that both he and opener Tony de Zorzi have recovered from illness, though there are still concerns over Aiden Markram, who will undergo a fitness test for a hamstring issue.
“Tony and I are well and will train, but Aiden will undergo a fitness test,” Bavuma said. “George Linde, a travelling reserve, is with the squad, so if anything doesn’t go according to plan, he can be included.”
The winner of Wednesday’s semi-final will face India in the final in Dubai on Sunday after India secured a four-wicket victory over Australia in the first semi-final.
(Source: AFP)
