ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Semi-Final 2, NZ vs SA: Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson's centuries overpower David Miller's late blitz. New Zealand to face India in the final.
Brief Scores: NZ 362/6 (R Ravindra 108, K Williamson 102, L Ngidi 3/72) beat SA 312/9 (D Miller 100*, R van der Dussen 69, M Santner 3/43) by 50 runs.
David Miller's century went in vain as New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs to set up the Champions Trophy 2025 final date with India. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, followed by quickfire outings from Glenn Phillips, Daryl Mitchell helped New Zealand post a mammoth 362 runs on the board. The Proteas, however, succumbed under pressure as they could only manage a total of 312/9 in 50 overs.
Talking Point: New Zealand played the conditions well
New Zealand played a brilliant all-around game to register their spot in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. This adaptability has been a big factor in their success in ICC tournaments over the years. They know how to read the game and execute their strategies under different conditions. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson showcased their class by laying a solid foundation for the team.
The Kiwi's spin attack, led by captain Mitchell Santner, wreaked havoc on the South African batters. It is always impressive to see how well New Zealand adapts to conditions and uses their spinners effectively.
The Black Caps' consistency in ICC tournaments has been remarkable. Their performance is a classic example of how they have often punched above their weight in ICC tournaments with a well-rounded and disciplined approach. Read More: CT 2025, SF 1, IND vs AUS: Pandya's late cameo, Rahul's quickfire 42* take India into final
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra's centuries propel New Zealand to 362/6
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra's centuries powered New Zealand to 362/6 against South Africa in their Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. Rachin slammed 108 while Williamson became the first New Zealand batter to achieve the landmark of 19,000 international runs during his knock of 102. The pair added 164 runs for the second wicket. Handy contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49*) allowed the Kiwis to cross the 350-run mark. Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets but was taken for 72 runs in his quota of 10 overs.
Earlier, opting to bat first, the Kiwis got off to a measured start, carefully negotiating the initial pace burst from Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen, who relentlessly hit the deck hard and bowled short. However, once the openers adjusted, they started capitalising on scoring opportunities. Ngidi’s clever use of pace variations provided the Proteas with the first breakthrough, dismissing Will Young. Williamson then joined Rachin, and while the latter struggled for strike initially in the partnership, the duo remained composed, weathering a brief period where South Africa managed to build some pressure with dots.
Kiwi spinners shine as South Africa crumble in big chase
South Africa crumbled after the 25th over, with New Zealand's spinners taking a flurry of wickets. The Proteas looked like they were on track to chasing down the mammoth target of 363, but New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner triggered a collapse that put them entirely out of the competition. Santner dismissed the well-set pair of Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen and then dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen for just three runs. David Miller played an inning of a lifetime, scoring a blistering century, but couldn’t get South Africa over the line as they fell 50 runs short. Miller reached triple figures on the final ball of the match. Read More: CT 2025, IND vs NZ, Group A: Varun-led spin quartet bamboozles NZ; India to face Australia in SF
Statistical Highlights from SA vs NZ, CT 2025
The second wicket partnership of 164 runs between Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson is NZ's third-highest for this wicket in ICC ODI events.
Ravindra (108) & Williamson (102) are only two of four centurions for NZ in ICC ODI events semi-finals & beyond.
All of Ravindra's 5 ODI centuries so far have come in ICC events.
Kane Williamson scored his 15th ODI hundred, his fourth in ICC events.
Ravindra faced Rabada for the first time in ODIs in this game & became his victim. He scored 12 runs off 13 balls from the SA pacer.
Daryl Mitchell faced Lungi Ngidi for the first time in ODIs in this game & became his victim. He scored 15 runs off 5 balls from Ngidi.
NZ's total of 362-6 is their second-highest in knockout games of ICC ODI events. Their highest score is 393-6 vs West Indies in ICC CWC 2015 quarter-final played in Wellington.
Two NZ batters scored hundreds in the first innings of this semi-final. This is only the fourth time that two hundreds have been scored in a knockout game of an ICC ODI event.
Temba Bavuma & Rassie van der Dussen combined to produce the sixth-century partnership for SA in a knockout game of ICC ODI events.
What’s next
The high-stakes ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is scheduled to take place on March 9, 2025, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE. As the Kiwis soared into the final, they set up a date with destiny against India in Dubai, with their sights set on a second Champions Trophy title. Meanwhile, the Men in Blue will aim to win their second successive ICC title.
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