New Zealand Vs South Africa, Champions Trophy: What Captains Santner, Bavuma Said Before SF

Underlining how good Kane Williamson has been against them over the years, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said on Tuesday (March 4) that his team has outlined plans to stop the Kiwi batting bulwark in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday. (IND Vs AUS Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)

Williamson, who scored 81 runs in vain against India in the last group-stage match, has hit hundreds in his last two ODIs against the Proteas, including an unbeaten 133 in Lahore last month during the tri-nation series.

"Yes, he (Williamson) has been a thorn in our side and we have some plans for him. We need to raise our intensity when he comes into bat," Bavuma said at the pre-match press conference. "We have a plan for him but in the end, we have to see how well we can execute our plans tomorrow.”

The Proteas skipper did not feel that New Zealand would be low on confidence in the semi-final due to their defeat to India in Dubai on Sunday.

"They have won all their matches in Pakistan and they are well balanced, so I don’t think the defeat to India would have affected their confidence,” he said.

Asked if he would like to play the CT final in Lahore or Dubai, Bavuma said that India were currently a powerful side in the tournament but they are focusing on the semi-final for now.

Asked about his views on South Africa and Australia having to travel to Dubai just to find out where they will play the semi-final, Bavuma said it was not ideal, but there was nothing they could have done about it, considering the logistics and details of the tournament.

South Africa have been dealing with a series of injuries, with Aiden Markram being the latest to suffer a hamstring injury, forcing them to bring in left-arm spin all-rounder George Linde as a cover. "Linde is here just in case, but Aiden Markram will have a fitness test today, while I and Tony (de Zorzi) are feeling much better from our bout of illness," said Bavuma, who, along with Tony, had been down with illness.

Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner talked about the importance of players' "recovery", considering the hectic nature of the cricket calendar. Instead of focusing on the Champions Trophy's merry-go-round of sorts, the BlackCaps captain pointed out an "issue" all around, leaving players with minimal time to recover ahead of the next fixture.

"I think scheduling is an issue just all around. I think when you do have time to rest and recover, I think it's very important, like you said, with the quick turnaround of games. One-day cricket can be quite exhausting on the body, so I think for us today, it might be making sure the bowlers are ready for tomorrow. I can't imagine they'll be doing much today; they are just getting ready," Santner said in the pre-match presser.

"I think, yeah, I mean, I don't know what you can change. I think with the heavy international schedule, franchise schedule, and then trying to schedule ICC events, it can be quite a challenge. Logistically, it looks like a bit of a challenge at times, but I think everyone's professional about it. As long as you're ready for the game and be good to go and then yeah, making sure recovery is quite important," the New Zealand skipper added.

(With PTI inputs)