New Zealand stormed into the Champions Trophy 2025 final with a convincing 50-run win over South Africa in a high-scoring semifinal at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore in March 5, Wednesday. New Zealand will now face Team India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final on March 5 at the Dubai International stadium.
New Zealand rode on Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra's centuries to post a mammoth total of 362 runs. In reply, South Africa wilted under pressure as they were restricted to 312/9 despite David Miller's centurion knock.
Earlier, New Zealand set a new record for the highest total in ICC Men's Champions Trophy history, scoring 362 runs against South Africa in their semi-final match in Lahore, thanks to exceptional knocks from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
Ravindra and Williamson both scored centuries, laying the foundation for New Zealand's imposing total. Ravindra's innings of 108 runs from 101 balls included 13 fours and a six, while Williamson contributed 102 runs off 94 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes. This dominant partnership propelled the Kiwis to a commanding position after they elected to bat first.
The later stages of the innings saw Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49) provide further impetus, with both scoring 49 runs. Mitchell's aggressive approach and Phillips' unbeaten knock ensured New Zealand finished strongly. South Africa's bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, with Lungi Ngidi taking three wickets, Kagiso Rabada two, and Wiaan Mulder one, but all conceded a significant number of runs.
In reply, South Africa's run chase began with determination, as captain Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) forged a strong 105-run partnership, both contributing half-centuries. However, their promising start was derailed by Mitchell Santner's effective spin bowling, which resulted in both batsmen's dismissals, leaving South Africa in a precarious position at 161-3.
Following these crucial losses, the South African innings faltered, with wickets falling at regular intervals and meaningful partnerships proving elusive. David Miller valiantly attempted to keep South Africa in contention, delivering a spectacular unbeaten century off just 67 balls. Despite his efforts, he received insufficient support from the other end, and South Africa ultimately fell short of the target by 50 runs.
