- Tue, March 15, 2022
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New Zealand stormed into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa. Rachin Ravindra’s scintillating 108 off 101 and Kane Williamson’s classy 102 powered NZ to 362/6. Despite David Miller’s explosive 100*, SA fell short, managing 312/9. Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul sealed the game for the Black Caps.
Scorecard
New Zealand – 362/6 (50) (Ravindra 108, Williamson 102, Ngidi 3/72)
South Africa – 312/9 (50) (Miller 100*, Van der Dussen 69, Santner 3/43)
New Zealand won by 50 runs
New Zealand March into ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final with Convincing 50-Run Win Over South Africa
Lahore, March 5, 2025: New Zealand delivered a commanding performance against South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, securing a spot in the grand finale with a 50-run victory. Rachin Ravindra's explosive 108 off 101 balls and Kane Williamson’s masterful 102 set the foundation for the Black Caps, who posted a massive total of 362/6 in 50 overs. In response, South Africa fought valiantly but fell short, managing only 312/9 despite a resilient knock from David Miller (100* off 67 balls).
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson Lead New Zealand’s Charge
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. Opener Will Young provided a steady start with a composed 21 before falling to Lungi Ngidi. However, what followed was a breathtaking 164-run stand between Ravindra and Williamson, putting South Africa on the back foot. Ravindra's 108 off 101 deliveries was a mix of elegant stroke play and aggressive hitting, featuring 11 fours and 3 sixes.
Williamson, known for his calm and calculated approach, anchored the innings beautifully with a crucial 102 off 94 balls. His knock ensured that New Zealand maintained momentum despite occasional breakthroughs by the South African bowlers. Contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27) propelled the Kiwis to an imposing total of 362/6.
Kagiso Rabada (2/70) and Lungi Ngidi (3/72) were among the wicket-takers for South Africa, but the bowlers struggled to contain the Kiwi batters in the latter stages of the innings.
David Miller’s Heroics in Vain as South Africa Falls Short
Chasing a steep target of 363, South Africa’s innings got off to a shaky start as they lost Ryan Rickelton early. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a 105-run partnership, with Bavuma scoring 56 off 71 balls. However, South Africa’s hopes took a major hit when Mitchell Santner dismissed van der Dussen for 69, triggering a mini-collapse.
Despite losing wickets at crucial junctures, David Miller kept Proteas in the hunt with a scintillating century. The left-hander played a counter-attacking knock, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes in his unbeaten 100 off just 67 balls. Unfortunately, he ran out of partners as the Kiwi bowlers, led by Santner (3/43) and Matt Henry (2/32), tightened their grip on the game.
Glenn Phillips also played a crucial role with the ball, picking up two vital wickets in quick succession, ensuring New Zealand’s grip on the match remained firm. South Africa eventually ended their innings at 312/9, falling 50 runs short of the target.
New Zealand Eye ICC Champions Trophy Glory
With this victory, New Zealand advances to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will face the winner of the first semi-final. This marks another opportunity for the Black Caps to claim an ICC trophy, having come close in previous tournaments.
For South Africa, it’s another heartbreak in a major ICC knockout game, adding to their history of near misses. Despite Miller’s heroics, the Proteas’ top order failed to capitalize, and their bowlers couldn’t restrict the Kiwi onslaught.
As the final approaches, New Zealand will be brimming with confidence, aiming to script history on the grandest stage of the tournament.
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