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South Africa yet again lived up to the tag of 'chokers' as they went down to New Zealand in the ICC Champion Trophy 2025 semifinal on March 5. Meanwhile, former India's star wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has blasted Temba Bavuma-led South Africa team for surrendering to New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore which once against denied them an entry to the final. New Zealand put on a dominant show in the all-important clash while South Africa crumbled under pressure while chasing a mammoth target of 363 runs.
Despite a promising 105-run partnership between captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen after the early dismissal of Ryan Rickelton, the Proteas struggled to maintain the required run rate. A subsequent middle-order collapse further compounded their woes, extinguishing any hopes of a late resurgence. As the required run rate spiraled out of reach, South Africa's fate was sealed, resulting in a heartbreaking exit from the Champions Trophy.
Dinesh Karthik blasts South Africa for surrendering to New Zealand in Champions Trophy semifinal
Meanwhile, Karthik feels South African didn't play like a champion team against New Zealand. He was particularly critical of their apparent lack of intent, accusing them of failing to exhibit the necessary fighting spirit. Karthik's frustration stemmed from South Africa's perceived surrender, their inability to push the match to a more competitive finish. He felt that they meekly allowed New Zealand to secure a comfortable victory and advance to the finals, rather than putting up a stronger resistance.
“I want to state it on record. New Zealand annihilated South Africa; it was as simple as that. They were not in the game. I thought South Africa would get close and put pressure on them,” Karthik was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz.
Karthik's post-match analysis centered on his disappointment with South Africa's lack of resilience. He said that he had anticipated a determined fightback from the Proteas, expecting them to show a greater level of competitiveness. However, his expectations were dashed as South Africa completely surrendered to Kiwis.
While taking an aim at South African batters Karthik pointed out that one can back himself to get 90 in the last ten overs but not 140. South African batters dragged the match till the end and finally lost the match despite David Miller's heroic century. In the middle, Rassie Van Der Dussen did steady South Africa's boat but failed to convert his 69 into a big score, which could have eased the pressure in the end.
“That’s what you expected from South Africa. This is a meek surrender. They were not in the game so early. You can’t turn up to a semifinal feeling happy to be there. Play like a champion team. You can always back yourself to get 90 in the last ten in the back end, or 85. But you cannot have 140. Even in T20, it is hardly done. With fewer wickets in hand and a slightly older ball, it is next to impossible,” Karthik added.
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New Zealand registered the record total of 362/6 riding on Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson's stellar centurion knocks. Ravindra's dazzling innings of 108 off 101 balls, featuring 13 boundaries and a six, set the tone for New Zealand's batting. Williamson, equally impressive, contributed a solid 102 off 94 deliveries, punctuated by 10 boundaries and two sixes. The strong foundation laid by Ravindra and Williamson allowed New Zealand's middle order to capitalise in the final overs. Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell delivered explosive performances, adding a crucial 112 runs in the last 10 overs. This late surge propelled New Zealand to their imposing total, leaving South Africa with a daunting chase. Ultimately, the Proteas fell short, managing only 312/9 in their allotted 50 overs.
