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After India defeated New Zealand in their last group stage match of the competition, the Champions Trophy semi-final lineup was finalized. With the victory, India moved up to the top of the Group A table and advanced to the tournament's semi-final, where they will play Australia. On March 3, New Zealand will take an early morning flight to Lahore to play South Africa in the tournament's second semi-final match. The tournament's first semifinal will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4, while the second semifinal will take place on March 5.
Before losing to India in their last group-stage match, New Zealand defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan easily. They will play South Africa, who have dominated Afghanistan and England in their group stage matches and have been outstanding against spin.
Mitchell Santer on SA clash
The New Zealand captain expressed confidence in Matt Henry, who took a fifer against India, to perform in Lahore as well. He believes Henry with his pacer and bounce will be a massive asset for the knockout game.
"It was a slower wicket than what we have come against. We knew that going in. India controlled the middle phase better. Shreyas played a great knock that was finished off well by Hardik. It spun a bit more than we thought, and they squeezed us well with four quality spinners. The key for us was getting wickets in the powerplay, and that was good to see," said Santner in the post-match presentation.
"Our next game is in Lahore where Henry will be massive. (On facing South Africa) On those wickets with some pace and bounce, they have four good pacers so we will have to see how we play them. We have to wait and see if it is a used surface or a fresh one," he added.
On March 3, New Zealand will take an early morning flight to Lahore to play South Africa in the tournament's second semi-final match. The tournament's first semifinal will take place in Dubai on Tuesday, March 4, while the second semifinal will take place on March 5.
New Zealand and South Africa will return to Lahore to play in the tournament's second semi-final, while India and Australia will play their knockout encounter in Dubai.
