Captain Temba Bavuma confirmed that South Africa would not alter their approach for Wednesday's Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand, despite the team's troubled history in knockout matches.
South Africa’s record in major global tournaments had been marred by disappointments, including a loss to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and a defeat to India in last year's T20 World Cup final.
However, Bavuma expressed his determination to focus on the present, refusing to dwell on the past.
"We will approach the semi-final as we normally would," Bavuma said. "It's just another game for us, yes, it’s important, but we definitely won’t be blowing it out of proportion that it’s a semi-final."
Bavuma acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand, who had defeated hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh before suffering a loss to India in Group A.
"Obviously, we want to play our best cricket come tomorrow. We understand New Zealand will come with certain challenges and we will have to prepare accordingly," Bavuma remarked. He played down the significance of New Zealand’s 44-run loss to India in Dubai on Sunday.
"They (New Zealand) have lost to India, which is a strong team, especially in Dubai," Bavuma said. "But I don’t think New Zealand will be down on any type of confidence. They have won most of their matches, so from the confidence point of view, they won’t be lacking."
New Zealand had beaten a depleted South Africa by six wickets in Lahore last month during a tri-series match ahead of the Champions Trophy. Bavuma stated that the game had provided valuable insights into New Zealand’s play.
"I think that game gave us a look at the New Zealand team," Bavuma said. "They will not be different from that match, but we are different and strong."
Bavuma went on to discuss New Zealand’s formidable bowling attack, which he described as disciplined and challenging for batters. "I think New Zealand has a formidable bowling attack, quite a disciplined attack, they do not give much to the batters, so we have to work hard," he noted. "But we are also confident of our bowling attack, so it will be a good show on offer by the two bowling attacks."
Regarding team fitness, Bavuma confirmed that both he and opener Tony de Zorzi had recovered from health issues that had kept them out of South Africa’s last game against England. However, there remained uncertainty over Aiden Markram’s fitness due to a hamstring injury.
"Tony and I are well and will train, but Aiden will undergo a fitness test (on a hamstring injury)," Bavuma explained. "George Linde, a travelling reserve, is with the squad, so if anything doesn’t come according to plan in that perspective, he can be included."
The winner of Wednesday’s semi-final will face India in the final on Sunday in Dubai, following India’s four-wicket victory over Australia on Tuesday.
