Lahore: New Zealand secured a place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India after a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first, New Zealand posted a record-breaking 362/6, the highest total in the tournament’s history, courtesy of Rachin Ravindra’s scintillating 108 and Kane Williamson’s third consecutive century against South Africa, scoring 102. Despite a valiant unbeaten 100 off 67 balls from David Miller, South Africa fell short, managing 312/9 in their chase.
Mitchell Santner led New Zealand’s bowling attack with figures of 3/43, dismantling the South African middle order. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry chipped in with two wickets each, while Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra claimed one apiece to seal a clinical victory.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, New Zealand got off to a solid start. Ravindra showcased his class with his fifth ODI century and second of the tournament, while Williamson’s composed 102 anchored the innings. Contributions from other batters propelled the Kiwis to a formidable 362/6, setting South Africa an uphill task.
Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers, finishing with 3/72, while Kagiso Rabada took 2/70, but their efforts were not enough to contain the Blackcaps’ batting onslaught.
Chasing 363, Ryan Rickleton started aggressively, hitting four boundaries, but was dismissed early by Matt Henry. Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) tried to stabilize the innings, but Santner’s spell dismantled their resistance.
Santner’s three-wicket burst, including the dismissals of Bavuma, van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen, put New Zealand firmly in control. The middle and lower order collapsed under pressure, with Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Marco Jansen falling cheaply.
David Miller fought a lone battle, smashing a remarkable hundred off the final ball of the innings, but lacked support from the other end as South Africa fell short by 50 runs.
With this win, New Zealand advances to the Champions Trophy final, where they will face India for the second time in the tournament. The highly anticipated clash promises an exciting contest between two of the best-performing teams in the competition.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand: 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102; Lungi Ngidi 3/72, Kagiso Rabada 2/70)
South Africa: 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69, Temba Bavuma 56; Mitchell Santner 3/43, Glenn Phillips 2/27)
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs.
