Champions Trophy
\nFans with valid match tickets can avail themselves of iftar box containing dates, juice, and mini pizza
\n LAHORE
\nThe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it will provide free iftar for spectators attending the ICC Champions Trophy second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, tomorrow (Wednesday).
\nFans with valid match tickets can avail themselves of an iftar box containing dates, juice, and a mini pizza.
\nThe initiative aims to enhance the match-day experience for attendees observing fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
\nIn addition to the free iftar, various food and beverage items will be available for purchase at the stadium\u2019s food stalls.
\nThe much-anticipated semi-final match is set to commence at 2:00 PM, with iftar scheduled for 6:05 PM.
\nThe PCB\u2019s decision to offer free iftar underscores its commitment to accommodating fans and creating a more inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere at the stadium.
\nSouth Africa will re-embark on an agonising quest for their first piece of ICC silverware since 1998 when they face New Zealand in Wednesday\u2019s semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Lahore.
\nThe pair have faced each other in the 50-over format just twice since 2019 \u2014 most recently in Lahore in a Tri-Series fixture on February 10.
\nSouth Africa batted first and posted 304 for six, but their inexperienced bowling line-up could not contain the New Zealanders, who won by six wickets with eight balls to spare.
\nSouth Africa will pack much more of a punch in the bowling department this time round, with fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen as well as wily spinner Keshav Maharaj in their attack.
\nSouth Africa have reached the semi-finals or finals of ICC tournaments on 13 occasions across both limited-overs formats and only have the 1998 Champions Trophy title to show for it.
\nThey made the semi-finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2023 but lost to Australia, and the final of last year\u2019s T20 World Cup, where they lost to India despite seeming certain victors.
\nThey will also play in the final of the World Test Championship against Australia at Lord\u2019s in June.
\nNew Zealand\u2019s record is not dissimilar. Their only ICC limited-overs tournament win came in the 2000 Champions Trophy, and there have also been several near misses down the years.
\nSouth Africa have called up spinning all-rounder George Linde as cover for Aiden Markram, who hurt his hamstring in the seven wicket win over England in their final pool game.
\nLinde arrives in Lahore on Tuesday night, so is highly unlikely to feature on Wednesday. His selection as a travelling reserve may be more looking ahead to a possible final against India on a slower track in Dubai on Sunday.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Champions Trophy Fans with valid match tickets can avail themselves of iftar box containing dates, juice, and mini pizza LAHORE The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that it will provide free iftar for spectators attending the ICC Champions Trophy second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, tomorrow (Wednesday). Fans […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":125691,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-465230","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n