Followers cheer whereas watching the ICC Champions Trophy one-day worldwide (ODI) cricket match between Afghanistan and England on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on February 26, 2025. — ReutersÂ
LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has introduced that it’ll present free iftar for spectators attending the ICC Champions Trophy second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, tomorrow (Wednesday).
Followers with legitimate match tickets can avail themselves of an iftar field containing dates, juice, and a mini pizza.
The initiative goals to boost the match-day expertise for attendees observing fasting in the course of the holy month of Ramadan.
Along with the free iftar, numerous meals and beverage gadgets will probably be out there for buy on the stadium’s meals stalls.
The much-anticipated semi-final match is about to start at 2:00 PM, with iftar scheduled for six:05 PM.
The PCB’s resolution to supply free iftar underscores its dedication to accommodating followers and making a extra inclusive and pleasing environment on the stadium.
South Africa will re-embark on an agonising quest for his or her first piece of ICC silverware since 1998 after they face New Zealand in Wednesday’s semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Lahore.
The pair have confronted one another within the 50-over format simply twice since 2019 — most just lately in Lahore in a Tri-Sequence fixture on February 10.
South Africa batted first and posted 304 for six, however their inexperienced bowling line-up couldn’t include the New Zealanders, who received by six wickets with eight balls to spare.
South Africa will pack far more of a punch within the bowling division this time spherical, with quick bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in addition to wily spinner Keshav Maharaj of their assault.
South Africa have reached the semi-finals or finals of ICC tournaments on 13 events throughout each limited-overs codecs and solely have the 1998 Champions Trophy title to point out for it.
They made the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023 however misplaced to Australia, and the ultimate of final 12 months’s T20 World Cup, the place they misplaced to India regardless of seeming sure victors.
They can even play within the last of the World Check Championship towards Australia at Lord’s in June.
New Zealand’s file will not be dissimilar. Their solely ICC limited-overs match win got here within the 2000 Champions Trophy, and there have additionally been a number of close to misses down the years.
South Africa have known as up spinning all-rounder George Linde as cowl for Aiden Markram, who harm his hamstring within the seven wicket win over England of their last pool recreation.
Linde arrives in Lahore on Tuesday night time, so is extremely unlikely to characteristic on Wednesday. His choice as a travelling reserve could also be extra looking forward to a potential last towards India on a slower observe in Dubai on Sunday.
