Full security arrangements in place for Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore
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Lahore is set to host the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy, with a robust security plan tpo ensure the safety of players and fans alike.
A total of 12,201 police officers and personnel will be deployed across the city, including 12 SPs, 37 DSPs, and 86 inspectors, under the supervision of DIG Operations Faisal Kamran and SSP Operations, Express News reported.
A four-tier security perimeter has been established to handle the high volume of spectators expected at the event.
Officers will be stationed along the teams' routes from the airport to their hotels and the stadium, with a constant surveillance system in place.
In addition, elite forces, including 33 teams from the Elite Force, 71 teams from Dolphin and Perro units, will conduct regular patrols, ensuring a visible and active security presence. Snipers will be stationed on tall buildings along the route, providing an extra layer of safety.
DIG Faisal Kamran also mentioned that all security protocols are being strictly followed, including "search and sweep operations" across the city. These operations will involve all security agencies working in tandem.
The security measures aim to not only ensure the safety of the public but also facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Authorities are advising the public to adhere to the provided traffic plan to avoid any inconvenience during the event.
Moreover, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced it will provide free Iftar for spectators attending the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, today.
Fans with valid match tickets will receive an Iftar box containing dates, juice, and a mini pizza.
This initiative is aimed at enhancing the match-day experience for attendees observing fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
In addition to the free Iftar, a variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at the stadium's food stalls. The highly anticipated semi-final match will begin at 2:00 pm, with Iftar scheduled to take place at 6:05 pm.
Semi-final- ICC Champions Trophy 2025
The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place today at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, with New Zealand set to face South Africa in a crucial clash. The winning team will advance to Dubai for the final against India.
Both teams have strong batting line-ups, with New Zealand boasting spinners Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell, while South Africa relies on spinner Keshav Maharaj. Lahore's pitch is expected to favour big scores, particularly for the batsmen.
For South Africa, veteran batter David Miller could be playing his final major tournament, while New Zealand's captain Kane Williamson's performance will be critical for his team.
The two teams have met 11 times in ICC tournaments, with New Zealand winning 7 of those encounters. The sides have only faced off three times in one-day internationals since 2017, including two World Cup matches and a recent tri-series contest.
In the group stage, the average first innings score at Lahore was 316, the highest of all venues. The pitch also saw more swing in the afternoon with the new ball.
Williamson is the highest run-scorer for New Zealand against South Africa, but his slow approach against spin, particularly against Maharaj, may be a concern for the team. South Africa's batsmen have struggled against quality spinners, and New Zealand's Santner and Bracewell could exploit these weaknesses.
New Zealand's Mitchell Santner expressed confidence ahead of the match, stating that despite the tough journey to Dubai, the team was ready for the semi-final in Lahore. Santner highlighted the team's dominant victories over Pakistan and Bangladesh in the tournament, despite a loss to India in their final group match in Dubai.
Santner also praised South Africa's well-balanced side, noting that New Zealand's fast bowlers and spinners could pose a significant challenge to any team.
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