ICC Champions Trophy 2025, South Africa vs New Zealand: Kiwis outclass Proteas to secure final spot

The second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy between New Zealand and South Africa turned out to be a high-scoring affair at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. NZ skipper Mitchell Santner after winning the toss decided to bat, thanks to blistering centuries by Rachin Ravindra (108) and the veteran Kane Williamson (102), the Kiwis put up a mammoth total of 362/6 in 50 overs. Chasing the target, South Africa started strongly but stumbled during the middle overs as NZ bowlers kept chipping away with wickets. David Miller did score 100 off 67 balls but the player lacked support from the other end, as a result, the Proteas fell short by 50 runs.

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson power NZ to a mammoth total

Kiwi opener Will Young was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi after scoring 21 runs after a 48-run stand with Rachin Ravindra in 8 overs. This was followed by a batting masterclass of Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra setting the tone with a 164-run partnership for the second wicket. Rachin scored his fifth ODI hundred in 93 balls, while Williamson smashed his 15th ODI century in 91 balls. Ravindra, continuing his yet another dream run in an ICC tournament fell after scoring 108 runs off 101 balls.

The solid setup was followed by striking innings of 49 runs by Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, powering New Zealand to a massive total of 362-6 in 50 overs.

Miller’s quick-fire 100 goes in vain

Chasing a big total in a knockout match is always a tough affair, the South African reply began with an early loss of Ryan Rickelton who scored only 17 runs. However, the skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen controlled the innings by putting up a 105-run stand for the second wicket. At this moment, South Africa looked right in the game to challenge NZ's big total. However, this partnership was followed by Kiwi’s disciplined bowling as they contained South Africa by getting wickets at key moments of the game.

After the departure of Bavuma (56) and Van de Dussen (69), NZ spinners took charge and got two key wickets of Markram (31) and Klassen (3) in the middle overs. As a result, the quick-fire century by David Miller was too late for South Africans to bounce back in the game. Rachin Ravindra bagged the MOTM award for his impressive all-round performance of 108 runs with the bat and an important wicket of Aiden Markram with the ball.

It’s India vs New Zealand for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy finals

With the semifinals winding up, it’s time for the finals between India and New Zealand at the Dubai International Stadium, in Dubai on Sunday, March 9. Both teams will be up against each other for the second time in the tournament.