Lahore (Web Desk): New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
After a commanding all-round performance, the Blackcaps will now face India in the highly anticipated final, set to take place in Dubai on March 9.
South Africa, chasing a challenging target of 363, put up a valiant fight but fell short, ending their innings on 312/9. Although David Miller's brilliant late surge kept hopes alive for the Proteas, it wasn’t enough to derail New Zealand's dominant position.
The South African innings got off to a difficult start as they lost Ryan Rickelton early, dismissed by Matt Henry with just 20 runs on the board. However, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma came together to stabilize the innings, sharing a vital 105-run partnership for the second wicket. Bavuma played a measured knock of 57 from 71 balls, while van der Dussen’s aggressive approach saw him score 69 off 66 deliveries, with four fours and two sixes, before both were sent back by Mitchell Santner.
From that point on, South Africa began to lose wickets at a steady pace, slipping to 218/8, leaving David Miller to hold the fort. The seasoned middle-order batter fought hard, producing a stunning century to finish unbeaten on 100 from just 67 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes.
However, his efforts weren’t enough as Santner, who was the standout bowler of the day, picked up three wickets for 43 runs in his full 10 overs, and New Zealand's bowlers tightened the screws to bowl South Africa out.
Earlier, New Zealand’s openers gave their team a strong start, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson leading the charge. Ravindra's majestic 108 off 101 balls, coupled with Williamson’s elegant 102 from 94, propelled New Zealand to a commanding position. The pair put together a crucial 164-run stand for the second wicket before Ravindra fell. Williamson’s 15th ODI century was a class act, but he too was dismissed shortly after reaching his landmark.
Following their departures, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provided the late momentum, both scoring quick-fire 49s. Mitchell faced just 37 balls, while Phillips needed only 27 to reach his total. Their efforts, along with a brief cameo from Michael Bracewell, pushed New Zealand's total to a formidable 362/6.
South Africa’s bowlers, especially Lungi Ngidi, who claimed three wickets for 72 runs, fought hard but couldn’t halt New Zealand's march to the final.
Despite the challenge posed by Miller’s fighting knock, New Zealand's all-round performance was too much for the Proteas.
It is worth mentioning that the 2025 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy has made a highly anticipated return after an eight-year hiatus, with the last tournament played in 2017, where Pakistan stunned India in the final.
This year’s competition kicked off with a fresh format, featuring two groups of four teams each.
Group A included Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and New Zealand, while Group B was composed of Afghanistan, England, Australia, and South Africa.
In the group stages, each side played three matches, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout rounds.
India and New Zealand emerged from Group A, proving their class and consistency, while South Africa and Australia battled their way through Group B, securing their spots in the semi-finals with dominant performances.
Tuesday, India defeated Australia by four wickets and qualified for the final clash scheduled to be played at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday (March 9).
Teams
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
