In the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to reach the final. The final of the mega event will be between New Zealand and India in Dubai on March 9.
In the match played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, New Zealand, batting first, scored 362 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs thanks to the brilliant centuries of Rachan Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
In the chase of the target, other batsmen from South Africa, except for David Miller, could not show sufficient performance. Thanks to David Miller’s century, the Proteas scored 312 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in the stipulated 50 overs.
It should be noted that the record of making the highest total in the tournament was broken for the third time in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The 21-year-old Champions Trophy record was broken in the match between Australia and England when England gave Australia a target of 352 runs to win, but Australia achieved this target in the same match and set a new record.
South Africa batting
Chasing the biggest target of the Champions Trophy, South Africa’s first wicket fell for 20 runs when Ryan Rickleton was dismissed after scoring 17 runs.
Captain Timba Bavuma and Ross van der Dussen put on a 105-run partnership, during which both players completed their half-centuries but neither could extend their innings.
Captain Timba was dismissed after scoring 56 runs and Dussen’s innings ended at 69 runs, after which Aiden Markram came to bat but he could only score 31 runs.
South African player Henrik Klaasen was in good form in the One Day International and the team was also hoping that he would make the match interesting to some extent but unfortunately he proved to be a guest of only 3 runs.
Among other players, Wayne Mulder scored 8, Marco Johnson 3, Keshav Maharaj 1, Kagiso Rabada 16 runs, David Miller remained on the wicket till the end and completed his century on the last ball, he managed to score 100 runs in 67 balls, which included 4 sixes and 10 fours.
From New Zealand, Mitchell Santner 3, Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips 2, 2 while Michael Bracewell and Rachan Ravindra managed to take one wicket each.
New Zealand batting
Except for Will Young and Tom Latham, who opened the innings for the Kiwis, all the batsmen showed excellent batting, Will Young was out for 21 and Tom Latham for 4 runs.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson put on a crucial 164-run partnership for the second wicket, with both batsmen first completing their half-centuries and then centuries.
Rachin Ravindra was out after scoring 108 runs off 101 balls with the help of a six and 13 fours, while Kane Williamson played an innings of 102 runs off 94 balls, which included 2 sixes and 10 fours.
Daryl Mitchell played an innings of 49 runs off 37 balls and Glenn Phillips also played an aggressive innings of 49 runs off 27 balls, which included a six and 6 fours.
For South Africa, Lanky Ngidi took 3 wickets, Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets and Wayne Milder took one wicket.
New Zealand playing XI
Mitchell Santner (captain), Will Young, Rachan Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke
South Africa playing XI
Tumba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickleton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Wayne Milder, Marco Johnson, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Langi Ngidi
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