Champions Trophy: NZ Defeats SA by 50 Runs, Sets Up Final with India
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Synopsis
New Zealand triumphed over South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the 2025 Champions Trophy, setting up a final showdown with India. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries, while Mitchell Santner led the bowling attack with key wickets.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand set a record total of 362 runs.
- Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries.
- Mitchell Santner was pivotal with the ball, taking 3 wickets.
- David Miller's century was not enough for South Africa.
- New Zealand will face India in the final.
Lahore, March 5 (NationPress) After a decisive victory against South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand has secured a spot in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai, where they will face India.
Rachin Ravindra showcased an impressive performance, scoring his fifth ODI century and second of the tournament, while Kane Williamson added his third consecutive century against South Africa, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 362/6, marking the highest score in the history of this competition. In response, the Proteas managed 312/9, with David Miller's remarkable century off just 67 balls ultimately falling short.
For the Blackcaps, captain Mitchell Santner was instrumental, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry each claimed two wickets. Both Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra contributed with one wicket apiece, leading New Zealand to a well-deserved victory and setting up a rematch with India.
During the chase for 363, Ryan Rickleton began strongly with four boundaries but fell victim to a cutter from Matt Henry. Temba Bavuma struggled initially, scoring only three off 18 balls, but eventually found his rhythm with a couple of boundaries off Henry and Kyle Jamieson.
While van der Dussen scored two fours off Henry, Bavuma hit a six off Jamieson. After hitting a four off William O’Rourke, Bavuma reached South Africa's hundred with an inside-out shot against Michael Bracewell, securing his seventh ODI fifty in 64 balls.
Shortly after, van der Dussen notched his third consecutive fifty with a single, stabilizing South Africa’s chase, especially after Bavuma’s catch was dropped by Kane Williamson. However, in the 23rd over, Bavuma attempted to slice a flighted delivery from Santner and was caught for 56. Three overs later, Santner struck again, dismissing van der Dussen for 67. He soon inflicted more damage by getting Heinrich Klaasen out, although he sustained an injury on his right shoulder during the process.
From that point, South Africa's chase faltered – Rachin Ravindra held onto a chip from Aiden Markram off his own bowling, Wiaan Mulder mishit a slog-sweep to deep square leg off Bracewell, and Marco Jansen was trapped lbw by Glenn Phillips, who later had Keshav Maharaj caught behind.
Despite Rabada hitting two boundaries in his 16 runs off 22 balls and David Miller scoring a century on the last ball of the innings, it was insufficient to prevent New Zealand from advancing to the Champions Trophy final.
Brief scores:
New Zealand 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102; Lungi Ngidi 3-72, Kagiso Rabada 2-70) defeated South Africa 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100 not out, Rassie van der Dussen 69, Temba Bavuma 56; Mitchell Santner 3-43, Glenn Phillips 2-27) by 50 runs
