South Africa v New Zealand – ICC Champions Trophy

South Africa will be looking to get their ICC Champions Trophy campaign back on track, as they take on New Zealand on Thursday. The host nation suffered a rain-inflicted defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the tournament’s opening fixture, and now look to keep their trophy challenge alive. New Zealand will be aware that the Proteas will be hungry for success and could take out their initial frustration on the Kiwis. New Zealand Captain Daniel Vettori is aware that the South Africans will be strong favourites to win the game, but he will have confidence in his own team, especially after they racked up 300 runs in a victory against India recently.

However, this is now tournament cricket and everything is on the line. The South Africans need a win, while this is New Zealand’s opening fixture. Sri Lanka, albeit with a genuine world class batting order, probably the strongest in the tournament, showed that the South African bowling attack can be got at. This game will be important to England, as they are in the same group, and open their account on Friday against the victorious Sri Lankans. South Africa were pre-tournament favourites, and will have been rocked by their opening defeat. This means that will be seriously all fired up against the Kiwis, who, on paper are a lot weaker.

South Africa to win – 4/9 at Stan James
New Zealand to win – 11/5 at Totesport