South Africa has called up George Linde as a reserve for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, covering for Aiden Markram’s hamstring injury. Markram will undergo a fitness test before the match, with Linde joining the team only if Markram is ruled out. The absence of Markram may disrupt the team’s balance as they face New Zealand, who are considered favorites despite their previous loss to India.
South Africa has included left-arm spinning all-rounder George Linde in their travelling reserves for the Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand. This decision comes as a precautionary measure due to Aiden Markram’s hamstring injury sustained during the final group stage match against England. Although Markram was the acting captain in that match, he opted out of fielding and batting to prevent further injury.
Linde will only join the official squad if Markram is deemed unfit to play. According to reports from ESPNCricinfo, Markram is scheduled for a fitness test on the match day, with a definitive decision regarding his participation expected before the toss. Should Markram be unavailable, it is anticipated that South Africa will maintain Tristan Stubbs in the playing XI, while Temba Bavuma may return to the team after missing the England match due to illness.
Linde is expected to join the squad on Tuesday evening, just prior to the semi-final. The absence of Markram could disrupt South Africa’s strategic balance, despite his limited bowling duties in recent matches. Linde has demonstrated significant skill in the SA20 2025 tournament, where he played for MI Cape Town, scoring 161 runs with an impressive strike rate and taking 11 wickets at an economical rate.
For this match, South Africa will likely field Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, and Wiaan Mulder as bowlers. If Markram is unable to participate, Stubbs may be called upon to assist with part-time bowling duties. After an exhausting journey from Karachi to Dubai and back to Lahore within a day, South Africa now has the opportunity to rest, train, and prepare for this critical encounter.
New Zealand enters this match following a defeat against India in their final Group A confrontation, yet they are considered favorites due to the depth and experience in their roster, especially with their acclimatization to playing in Pakistan.
In summary, South Africa has made strategic adjustments ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against New Zealand, including adding George Linde to the reserves as Aiden Markram faces fitness concerns. The team’s final lineup will hinge on Markram’s fitness test on the match day. Facing New Zealand, who are favored despite their recent loss, South Africa will aim to establish a robust game plan amidst potential lineup changes.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
