New Zealand dominate South Africa to secure a Champions Trophy final clash with India
LAHORE: Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, combined with a disciplined bowling performance, powered New Zealand to a commanding 50-run win over South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a challenging target of 363, South Africa fought hard but managed 312/9 in their 50 overs despite a late onslaught from David Miller.
The Proteas had a shaky start as opener Ryan Rickelton (17) departed early, falling to Matt Henry in the fifth over with just 20 runs on the board.
Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then steadied the innings, forging a crucial 105-run stand for the second wicket. Both batters notched half-centuries before Bavuma was dismissed by his New Zealand counterpart, Mitchell Santner, in the 23rd over after scoring 57 off 71 balls, including four boundaries and a six.
Van der Dussen continued the resistance, adding 36 runs alongside Aiden Markram before he too was sent back by Santner. He struck four fours and two sixes in his 69-run knock off 66 deliveries.
After his departure, South Africa suffered a batting collapse, slipping to 218/8 despite Miller holding firm at one end. The left-hander fought valiantly, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, laced with 10 fours and four sixes, but lacked support from the other end to pull off the chase.
Santner led New Zealand’s bowling attack with 3/43 in his 10 overs, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry took two wickets each. Michael Bracewell and Ravindra also chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Earlier, New Zealand’s decision to bat first paid off as their batters piled up a formidable 362/6 in 50 overs.
The Blackcaps started positively with Will Young and Ravindra putting together a quick 48-run stand before Young fell to Lungi Ngidi for 21 off 23 balls in the eighth over.
Ravindra then joined forces with Williamson to put New Zealand in a commanding position with a massive 164-run partnership off 154 balls. Their stand ended in the 34th over when Ravindra was dismissed for a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, featuring 13 fours and a six.
Williamson continued to anchor the innings, sharing a brief 39-run stand with Daryl Mitchell and bringing up his 15th ODI century. He eventually departed for 102 off 94 balls, striking 10 fours and two sixes.
Mitchell and Glenn Phillips then provided the finishing touches with quickfire 49-run contributions each, scoring off 37 and 27 deliveries respectively, while Michael Bracewell chipped in with 16 off 12.
Ngidi was South Africa’s most successful bowler, claiming 3/72 in his 10 overs, while Kagiso Rabada picked up two wickets.
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand advanced to the final, where they will take on India for the coveted Champions Trophy title.
