"South Africa have bit more class and power compared to NZ": Ricky Ponting

Ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal match against New Zealand former Australia captain Ricky Ponting feels that South Africa has a bit more class and power which makes them favouritesRicky Ponting also stated that but if someone like Kane Williamson plays on that particular day then he could get the job done for New ZealandNew Zealand will enter the clash after suffering a defeat against India On the other hand South Africa will face the Kiwis after registering a sevenwicket victory against EnglandWhile momentum could play a big role in the contest Ricky Ponting said with a deep batting lineup just like India South Africa enjoy an edgeIf I look at both the sides I think theres that little bit more class in the South African lineup They bat deep I think they might have a little bit too much power for New Zealand Pointing opined on ICC Review on TuesdayIm actually going with South Africa to win the contest as much as Ive praised New Zealand he addedThe former Australian captain added that New Zealand toporder batter Williamson will have to play a leading role in the contest as every team relies on its big players to guide them in crunch gamesAlso ReadWATCH Kohlis fiery response to Heads dismissal as India tighten grip against AustraliaWilliamson I think needs to make runs for them in this game Every team needs their big players standing up in big moments Big games mean big names It doesnt get bigger than the Champions Trophy semifinalsAnd Williamson is a biggame player he will understand the enormity of his role going into the game and I wont be surprised if he gets the job done Ponting saidWilliamson after hardly making any contribution against Pakistan 1 and Bangladesh 5 struck a 120ball 81 against India int the final group game which would have given him some confidenceHowever Ricky Ponting feels the likes of opener Ryan Rickelton skipper Temba Bavuma Aiden Markram David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen could make things difficult for the KiwisHes Klaasen very important because he is such a dangerous player of spin bowling Hes such a great clean hitter of spin He is important to the middle order but South Africa bat deep like India And with a worldclass allrounder like Marco Jansen and obviously Aiden Markram Temba Bavuma David Miller their batting is really strong That middle orderI think Klaasen has been the No1 T20 batter for long and if he brings that sort of stuff to the 50over game If he goes in around the 30over mark and South Africa are 23 down then he can be truly dangerous he saidPonting said a couple of intriguing matchups could dictate which side wins the contestRickelton has been outstanding for South Africa at the top of the order He has got them off to some really good starts in CT made that big hundred a couple of games ago against Afghanistan And Matt Henry has been great for New Zealand picking up a fivefor we know he is a good swing bowlerSo I think Henry and Rickelton will be a really intriguing one opined PointingHe said that Klaasen who smashed a halfcentury against England in Karachi could be a game changer provided he can negotiate the offspin of Mitchell Santner in the middle oversKlaasen is good against spin but Santner is an outstanding leftarm spinner very smart And I think the fact that he is a leftarmer bowling to a right hander they New Zealand might probably start with spin against KlaasenAnd maybe whoever wins that battle might determine the outcome of the game said PointingWhat surprised Ricky Ponting was the constant change in the opening combination of New Zealand He further stated that Devon Conway was doing a good jobThey opened with Will Young and Conway against Pakistan and Bangladesh but brought in Rachin Ravindra against India in the last group gameI was a bit surprised those guys Conway and Rachin going in and out Over the years they have both been consistent Will Young has been good But Ill be going back to Conway at the top leftright combinationWith PTI Inputs