Aiden Markram out of Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final! South Africa sends replacement!!

In a recent development, South Africa have called up all-rounder George Linde as a replacement for the injured Aiden Markram ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against New Zealand. George Linde will travel to Pakistan as the Proteas prepare for the upcoming clash in Lahore on Wednesday.

Markram left the field during South Africa’s match against England due to discomfort in his left hamstring. He was expected to bat only if necessary, but the team chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand. Heinrich Klaasen took over as captain for the remainder of the final group stage match.

George Linde Called Up as Cover for Injured Aiden Markram

According to the latest reports, George Linde was absent from Western Province training on Monday as he was en route to join South Africa's squad in Pakistan. Linde was unluckily to miss out on the Proteas’ squad despite being in excellent form throughout the season. However, he now gets a late call-up.

Aiden Markram picked up an injury at a tough time for South Africa, with Temba Bavuma and Tony de Zorzi missing the last match due to illness. The full extent of his injury is still unknown, as the team has yet to release an official update before the semi-finals.

It Was Mostly Precautionary Over Anything Else - Aiden Markram

After the match against England, Aiden Markram downplayed concerns about his injury, stating that it was mostly 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 during their tournament opener. Their group stage match against Australia was called off due to rain.

South Africa Set to Face New Zealand in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

South Africa will face New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semifinal at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. The Proteas traveled to Pakistan as there was uncertainty over the semifinal venues. The Group A table-toppers had been confirmed after the match between India and New Zealand.

New Zealand started their Champions Trophy campaign by defeating Pakistan by 60 runs in Karachi and Bangladesh by five wickets in Rawalpindi. However, the Blackcaps lost their final group-stage match to India by 44 runs in Dubai, disrupting their winning momentum just before the crucial semifinal.

New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets in Lahore before securing a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the final held in Karachi last month.

India are scheduled to play all their matches at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai due to geopolitical tensions with Pakistan. On the other hand, Australia, led by Steve Smith, remained in Dubai for their semifinal clash against India, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, March 4.

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