Lahore, March 5, 2025: Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s centuries, followed by a disciplined bowling effort, powered New Zealand to a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
With this victory, New Zealand has booked a spot in the final, where they will take on India in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Chasing a daunting 363-run target, South Africa managed 312/9 in their allotted 50 overs, despite a valiant century from David Miller.
The Proteas’ innings got off to a shaky start when Ryan Rickelton (17) was dismissed by Matt Henry in the fifth over, leaving South Africa struggling at 20/1. Captain Temba Bavuma (57 off 71) and Rassie van der Dussen (69 off 66) attempted a recovery, stitching together a 105-run partnership for the second wicket. However, once Bavuma fell to Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over, the wickets started tumbling.
Van der Dussen put up a brief fight alongside Aiden Markram (24), but once he too was dismissed, South Africa collapsed to 218/8, leaving them with an uphill task.
David Miller, however, refused to go down without a fight. The left-hander played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 100 off 67 balls, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes, but the lack of support from the other end meant South Africa fell 50 runs short of the target.
New Zealand’s bowlers delivered a collective effort, with Santner leading the attack (3/43), while Glenn Phillips (2/46) and Matt Henry (2/60) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
Earlier, New Zealand posted an imposing total of 362/6, after opting to bat first.
Openers Will Young (21) and Rachin Ravindra gave the Blackcaps a brisk start with a 48-run opening stand, before Lungi Ngidi (3/72) dismissed Young in the eighth over.
From there, Ravindra and Williamson dominated the South African bowling attack, putting together a marathon 164-run stand. Ravindra was the first to depart after a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, which included 13 fours and a six. Williamson soon followed, but not before bringing up his 15th ODI century (102 off 94, 10 fours, 2 sixes).
In the final overs, Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 off 27) provided the finishing touch, propelling New Zealand to a daunting total.
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand now set their sights on the Champions Trophy final against India. Both teams have been dominant throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting battle for the coveted title.
