Bavuma: It's just another game for us

Captain Temba Bavuma says the Proteas will not change their approach for Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand despite the team’s poor record in knockout matches.

South Africa have a history of coming up short on the global stage, losing their 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final to Australia and the T20 World Cup final to India last year.

That continued a long trend of disappointing results at major tournaments, but Bavuma is keen not to dwell on the past.

“We will approach the semi-final as we normally would,” said Bavuma, whose team topped Group B after big wins over England and Afghanistan, and a washout against Australia.

“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 is well aware of the challenges posed by New Zealand, who beat hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh before losing 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,” said Bavuma, who played down the Kiwis’ 44-run defeat by India in Dubai on Sunday.

“They have lost to India, who are a strong team especially in Dubai,” said Bavuma. “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 beat a depleted South Africa in Lahore by six wickets last month in a Tri-Series match ahead of the Champions Trophy.

“I think that game gave us a look at the New Zealand team,” said Bavuma. “They will not be different from that match but we are different and strong.”

“I think New Zealand have a formidable bowling attack, quite a disciplined attack, they do not give much to the batters so we have to work hard,” he added. “But we are also confident of our bowling attack, so it will be a good show on offer by the two bowling attacks.”

MORE: Third time lucky for Proteas in NZ playoff?

Bavuma said he and opener Tony de Zorzi – who both missed South Africa’s last game against England on health grounds – have recovered.

Aiden Markram, who injured a hamstring early in the match against England, passed his fitness test on Tuesday and is available for selection.

ALSO: Linde to join Proteas in Pakistan

The winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final will meet India for the title in Dubai on Sunday. India beat Australia by four wickets on Tuesday to reach the final.