South Africa captain Temba Bavuma has acknowledged Kane Williamson’s impact ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semi-finals on March 05.
However, he said his team had planned strategies to counter New Zealand’s Kane Williamson. Kane Williamson scored 81 runs in their side’s defeat against India in the final match of the group stage.
He has been in fine form against South Africa after hitting consecutive centuries, including an unbeaten 133 in Lahore last month during the tri-nation series.
“Yes, he (Williamson) has been a challenge for us, and we have specific plans in place. The key will be to raise our intensity when he comes to bat,” Bavuma said. “However, execution will be crucial in the end.”
Despite New Zealand’s loss against India, Temba Bavuma dismissed any notion that it would dent their confidence.
IT’S SEMI-FINAL TIME! 🇿🇦
The Proteas are just one step away from the #ChampionsTrophy final, but first, it’s a showdown against New Zealand! 🏏#WozaNawe and rally behind the green and gold — history is calling! 🏆💪
Let’s go, Proteas! 🇿🇦💛💚 #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/vWaWShU6yA
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 4, 2025
“They have performed strongly in Pakistan, winning all their matches there. They are a well-balanced side, so I don’t think their defeat to India will affect them much,” Temba Bavuma added.
Bavuma also gave a fitness update on batter Aiden Markram and about the arrival of travelling reserve all-rounder George Linde. He said that he is also training reserve all-rounder Linde.
He continued 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 uncertainity over Aiden Markram’s fitness due to hamstring injury.
“Aiden – he is doing his fitness test. I guess we will know at the end of this place where it stands where it stands with him. I am feeling a lot better. I will be training today.
“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.”
With India headed to the finals, the second finalist will be decided with the clash between New Zealand and South Africa played on March 05 at Lahore.
