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Temba Bavuma-led South Africa will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations with their clash against New Zealand in tri-nation series on Pakistan soil. On the eve of the match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Bavuma has said that Champions Trophy's format makes it tougher than ODI World Cup.
“In the World Cup, you have time to take stock and step up. But in the Champions Trophy you can’t do that but we are hopeful of going one step further in the tournament,” Bavuma told the reporters.
“Obviously, we have our sights on where we want to be in the Champions Trophy this time but the format makes it more challenging for teams when you look at the 50-over World Cup,” he added.
In the match against New Zealand, South Africa will be going with an experienced side as many players will be landing in Pakistan before the match against hosts as they were part of SA20 2025 playoffs. He sses it as an opportunity for young players.
“It is a lovely opportunity for a couple of guys who have been doing well in domestic cricket and in T20 leagues to make a statement on what value they can add to the team,” he said.
“The tri-series will give us a chance to acclimatise to playing in Pakistan and get knowledge to share it with a wider group and it is also an opportunity for young players to keep on playing in future."
Bavuma backs his bowlers after Nortje gets ruled out
In-form pace-bowling all-rounder Corbin Bosch has replaced an injured Anrich Nortje in the Champions Trophy squad. Bavuma has backed the available resources to come good in the tournament.
“We have bowlers who can bowl at high pace with the new ball and also get some shape,” the 34-year-old said.
He also backed his veteran spinners -- Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi -- to play a crucial role on subcontinent conditions.
“Maharaj and Shamsi will give us a lot of help as we are presently tight for spin resources for the tri-series,” he further added.
South Africa are placed alongside Australia, England and Afghanistan in Group B. They will start their campaign against Afghanistan at National Stadium, Karachi on February 21.
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