Lahore, March 5 (NationPress) The former champions, New Zealand, secured a spot in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Dubai after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final held at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.

With Rachin Ravindra scoring his fifth ODI century and Kane Williamson achieving his third consecutive ton against South Africa, New Zealand posted a staggering total of 362/6, setting a record for the highest score in the tournament's history. Despite David Miller’s quickfire century (not out at 100 from 67 balls), the Proteas managed only 312/9.

Captain Mitchell Santner led the bowling attack for the Blackcaps with figures of 3-43, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry contributed with two wickets each. Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra picked up one wicket each, sealing a decisive victory for New Zealand and setting up a rematch with India in the final.

Choosing to bat first on a well-worn pitch, Ravindra exhibited class with a score of 108 off 101 balls, sharing a 164-run partnership for the second wicket with Williamson, who scored 102 off 94 deliveries. Both Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributed quick knocks of 49.

South Africa faced a challenging day under the bright Lahore sun, with Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj conceding runs. While Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, and Wiaan Mulder managed to take wickets, they also gave away too many runs.

Ravindra and Will Young started New Zealand’s innings with ease. Ravindra was particularly impressive, hitting Jansen for three boundaries in the seventh over. Ngidi claimed the first wicket, dismissing Young in the eighth over. Williamson, fresh off a solid 81 against India, began well, scoring boundaries off Ngidi and Rabada.

Ravindra brought up his half-century off 47 balls and continued to dominate, hitting Maharaj for a six and multiple boundaries. Williamson joined the scoring spree, reaching his fifty in 61 balls, and had a moment of luck with a dropped catch by Heinrich Klaasen.

The partnership for the fourth wicket ended at 164 runs when Ravindra was caught behind for 108. Williamson continued to accumulate runs and notched his 15th ODI century off 91 balls before being dismissed shortly after.

Despite late efforts from Mitchell and Phillips, who added quick runs in the final overs, South Africa's chase was undermined by the early wickets. David Miller provided resistance but could not prevent New Zealand’s progression to the 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.