New Zealand Wins Toss, Bowls First Against South Africa

News Desk

Lahore: New Zealand won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa in the second One Day International (ODI) of the ongoing tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Monday.

The pitch is considered a batting-friendly surface, with expectations that the total score could surpass 300 runs.

Early Advantage for New Zealand

Kiwis captain Mitchell Santner stated that his team aimed to capitalize on the early moisture in the pitch. He also confirmed one change in the playing XI, with Devon Conway replacing the injured Rachin Ravindra.

New Zealand started their campaign with a dominant 78-run victory over hosts Pakistan in the opening match of the series at the same venue.

South Africa Without Key Players

South Africa, meanwhile, are missing seven of their top players, who are currently engaged in a domestic Twenty20 league back home.

The tri-series is being played ahead of the highly anticipated Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan and Dubai.

Playing XIs

New Zealand: Devon Conway, Will Young, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (capt), Ben Sears, Matt Henry, Will O’Rourke.

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Matthew Breetzke, Jason Smith, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Mihlali Mpongwana, Senuran Muthusamy, Eathan Bosch, Junior Dala, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi.