New Zealand Storm into Champions Trophy Final with Commanding Win Over South Africa
In a high-stakes semifinal clash in Lahore, New Zealand delivered a clinical performance with both bat and ball to defeat South Africa by 50 runs and secure their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson laid the foundation for New Zealand’s imposing total of 362, while their spin attack proved decisive in halting South Africa’s chase. Although David Miller’s record-breaking century provided late drama, it was not enough to overturn the game as New Zealand held firm to set up a title clash against India.
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Ravindra and Williamson Lead the Charge
New Zealand’s dominance began with an impressive batting display, spearheaded by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Right from the outset, Ravindra looked in supreme touch, timing his shots to perfection. South Africa, however, struck early with the dismissal of Will Young, briefly slowing the scoring rate. But any hopes of maintaining that control were dashed once Williamson settled in.
The duo meticulously built their partnership, targeting the right bowlers at the right moments. South African spinner Keshav Maharaj initially managed to contain the run flow, but once Ravindra and Williamson found their rhythm, they dismantled the bowling attack. Both batters reached crucial milestones—Williamson notching up his half-century off 61 balls, while Ravindra brought up his fifth ODI century, all of which have come in ICC tournaments.
Williamson shifted gears after Ravindra’s dismissal, unfurling an array of innovative shots, including his signature scoop. His acceleration was breathtaking, as he raced to his century off just 92 balls. However, his attempt to continue the aggressive approach led to his downfall, mistiming a scoop and departing soon after reaching three figures.
Final Flourish: Mitchell and Phillips Go Berserk
With both set batters gone, South Africa had a brief window to restrict New Zealand to a manageable total. However, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips had other plans. The duo launched an all-out assault in the death overs, hammering 83 runs in the final six overs. Phillips, in particular, was relentless, finishing unbeaten on 49 from just 25 balls. Their late onslaught ensured New Zealand crossed the 360-run mark, putting them in a commanding position at the halfway stage.
South Africa’s Stuttering Start
Chasing a mammoth 363 for victory, South Africa needed a solid start, but they found themselves on the back foot early. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson maintained a tight line and length, with Jamieson even starting with a maiden over. The pressure led to an early breakthrough when Ryan Rickelton mistimed a delivery from Henry, sending it straight to cover.
Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen attempted to steady the innings. Although Bavuma struggled initially, batting on just 3 off 18 balls, he eventually broke the shackles with a classy on-drive to the boundary. Van der Dussen, on the other hand, was more fluent, collecting crucial boundaries to keep South Africa afloat. By the end of the first PowerPlay, they had recovered well, reaching 60/1.
Spin Strangles the Proteas
Despite a promising start, South Africa’s middle overs turned into a nightmare. New Zealand’s spinners, led by Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, applied relentless pressure. Bracewell bowled tight lines, choking the scoring rate, while Santner extracted significant turn from the pitch. The mounting pressure led to a collapse, starting with Bavuma, who was undone by Santner’s drift and turn.
Van der Dussen followed soon after, falling victim to Santner’s subtle variations. With the set batters gone, the responsibility fell on Heinrich Klaasen to produce something special. However, New Zealand’s captain marshaled his bowlers brilliantly, setting up a much-anticipated duel between Klaasen and Santner. The South African batter, known for his aggressive strokeplay, attempted to take on the spinners but ended up miscuing one straight to long-on. Bracewell then capped off a fantastic spell with another crucial wicket, leaving South Africa reeling.
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Miller’s Lone Battle and Record-Breaking Century
By the 40th over, the game seemed dead and buried, with South Africa requiring an improbable 140 runs from the last 10 overs with only the lower order to bat. However, David Miller had other plans. Displaying remarkable resilience, the experienced campaigner took on New Zealand’s bowlers single-handedly.
With nothing to lose, Miller unleashed a barrage of sixes and fours, particularly targeting Kyle Jamieson and William O’Rourke. His clean hitting stunned the opposition as well as the sparse crowd that remained in the stadium. Batting on 47 off 43 balls at the start of the 47th over, Miller accelerated in breathtaking fashion, farming the strike and dismantling the bowling attack.
Needing 18 runs off the final over to reach a century, Miller pulled off a stunning finish. He smashed boundaries off the first few balls before eventually reaching his century off just 67 balls—the fastest in Champions Trophy history. Though his effort only reduced the margin of defeat, it was a moment of individual brilliance in an otherwise one-sided contest.
New Zealand’s Balanced Performance Secures Final Spot
Ultimately, despite Miller’s fireworks, the result was never in doubt. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack ensured that the victory margin, though reduced, remained comfortable. The spin duo of Santner and Bracewell played pivotal roles, and their ability to strangle South Africa’s middle order proved to be the difference in the match.
With this emphatic win, New Zealand stormed into the final of the Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face India in what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
Brief Scores:
New Zealand 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102, Glenn Phillips 49*; Lungi Ngidi 3/72)
South Africa 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69; Mitchell Santner 3/43)
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs.