Lahore (Web Desk): New Zealand set a target of 363 runs for South Africa in the second semi-final of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, captain Mitchell Santner opted to bat first, and his decision paid off handsomely.
The opening partnership between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra got off to a solid start, adding 48 runs before Young was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over for 21 off 23 balls.
Kane Williamson then joined Ravindra in the middle, and the pair took control of the game with a sensational stand.
They combined for a mammoth 164 runs off 154 balls, building the foundation for New Zealand's huge total. Ravindra, in particular, was in excellent form, racing to his maiden ODI century.
However, he fell for 108 off 101 balls, his knock featuring 13 boundaries and a six.
Williamson continued his steady progress and brought up his own century, his 15th in the format, but fell shortly after reaching the milestone. He made 102 from 94 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes.
As the innings moved into its final stages, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touches, both contributing valuable knocks.
Mitchell's quickfire 49 off 37 balls and Phillips' 49 off 27 balls pushed New Zealand past 350, while Michael Bracewell chipped in with a quick 16 from 12 balls.
For South Africa, Ngidi was the standout bowler, finishing with 3 wickets for 72 runs from his 10 overs, while Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets. Despite their best efforts, the South African bowlers could not stem the flow of runs as New Zealand finished with an imposing total.
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.
On 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.
