South Africa has called up all-rounder George Linde to replace the injured Aiden Markram ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand. Linde will travel to Pakistan on Wednesday as the team gets ready for the match in Lahore.
George Linde Replaces Aiden Markram for ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Final
Markram left the field during South Africa’s match against England because of discomfort in his left hamstring. He was only expected to bat if absolutely needed, but the team successfully chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand. Heinrich Klaasen stepped in as captain for the rest of the final group-stage match.
According to the latest reports, George Linde missed Western Province’s training on Monday as he was on his way to join South Africa’s squad in Pakistan. Despite being in great form throughout the season, Linde was initially left out of the Proteas’ squad. However, he has now received a late call-up.
After the match against England, Aiden Markram played down concerns about his injury, explaining that it was mainly a precautionary measure and not too serious.
“I think it’s alright, it was mostly precautionary over anything else,” Markram said. “It feels okay. Hopefully over the next few days, I can get some good rest and then sort it out and be good to go from there.”
Markram scored an unbeaten 52 runs off 36 balls, including six boundaries and one six, against Afghanistan in their tournament opener. Their group-stage match against Australia was called off due to rain.
Match Preview: South Africa vs New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium
South Africa will play New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. The Proteas traveled to Pakistan because there was uncertainty about where the semifinal would be held. The Group A winners were decided after the match between India and New Zealand.
New Zealand started their Champions Trophy campaign with a 60-run win over Pakistan in Karachi and a five-wicket win over Bangladesh in Rawalpindi. However, they lost their last group match to India by 44 runs in Dubai, which broke their winning streak just before the important semifinal.
Earlier, New Zealand beat South Africa by six wickets in Lahore and won a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final in Karachi last month.
India will play all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium due to tensions with Pakistan. Meanwhile, Australia, led by Steve Smith, will stay in Dubai for their semifinal match against India on Tuesday, March 4.
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