WHILE New Zealand tend to be an easier team to beat in bilateral series, the Black Caps are a different team altogether in ICC events. South Africa faces the Black Caps in Lahore on Wednesday in the second semi-final of the ongoing ICC Champions. Ongama Gcwabe highlights Three Black Caps players the proteas need to keep quiet in the semi-final.
Kane Williamson
In a generation with the likes of Virat Kohli and Steve Smith dominating One Day International cricket, it can be easy to forget just how exceptional Williamson is in the 50-over format. The former New Zealand captain averages a touch under 50 in 171 ODIs with 14 centuries and 47 half-centuries in his name.
Kane Williamson brings up his 14th ODI century in just 72 balls. His second fastest century in ODI cricket and part of a 187-run second wicket stand with Devon Conway (97) 🏏 #3Nations1Trophy #NZvSA #CricketNation pic.twitter.com/PAXZmobTLo
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 10, 2025
Most importantly, the top-order batter does tend to take a liking to the Proteas attack having smashed an unbeaten 133 against South Africa in the tri-series last month. Coming in to bat at number three in the batting order, Williamson will be a key wicket for the South African quicks.
Matt Henry
With the new ball, Henry is one of the best One Day International fast bowlers in the world and has proved it in various ICC events. The right-arm quick will be a handful for the Proteas opening batters in Lahore, swinging and seaming the ball both ways with good control and consistency. A record of 163 wickets in 90 games at an average of 24 is telling of the quality of the fast bowler.
Matt Henry’s sizzling 5️⃣-wicket haul rattled India in Dubai 💪#ChampionsTrophy #NZvIND ✍️: https://t.co/F2UBD2cv49 pic.twitter.com/eMIj0OBzyb
— ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2025
Fresh from a sparkling five-for against India on Sunday, a spell which saw the fast bowler claim the prized wickets of Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill, Henry is heading into the semi-final with form on his side.
Glenn Philips
Having proven himself as one the best fielders in the world with multiple screamers at gully, point and cover, the Proteas batters will know well not to challenge Philips on the field. His quick reactions within the inner circle often put New Zealand in match-winning positions.
Glenn Phillips 😳 what a catch man, just Take a look
⏬ #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/cSg4k0vcVa— Cricket Skyblogs.in (@SkyblogsI) March 2, 2025
Though his fielding abilities tend to overshadow his batting and bowling skills, the 28-year-old is actually a real threat for South Africa. The Proteas bowling attack will remember that Philips blasted an unbeaten 106 against Pakistan in Lahore. With ball in hand, Philips’ off-spin does the job in the middle overs and can prove to be a problem up front with South Africa’s left-handed opening batters in Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi.
