NZ vs SA Review: Kiwis brush aside Proteas to storm into the final
New Zealand clinched victory over South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday, March 5. The former will take on India in the final on Sunday, March 9.
Opting to bat first, the Kiwis were off to a positive start in the powerplay; their score reading 56/1 after 10 overs. Kane Williamson combined alongside Rachin Ravindra to forge a 164-run stand for the second wicket. Ravindra brought up his fifth ODI ton before getting dismissed for 108. The former Kiwi skipper got to his ton in the 40th over.
New Zealand racked up the highest-ever score in the Champions Trophy, courtesy of 49 each from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips. Lungi Ngidi ended up claiming three wickets in his 10 overs. Apart from him, Kagiso Rabada conceded 70 in his quota. Aiden Markram, who conceded 23 runs in four overs, was the most economical bowler in the Proteas lineup.
Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen partnered well after the early dismissal of Ryan Rickelton. Both the batters were looking set for a big one after settling in quite nicely. However, it was the left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner that dented the Proteas through the middle.
His three wickets, including the massive dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen, meant that South Africa was always behind in the chase. After Aiden Markram, the bulk of the responsibility fell on David Miller. He waged a single-handed battle as wickets kept falling around the southpaw. Miller ended up finishing with a well-deserved ton to his name in a losing cause, scoring a dazzling unbeaten ton off 67 deliveries.
Top Performers of the match
Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101)
Earlier in the day, Ravindra looked composed while batting alongside Williamson. The calculative knock by the fledgling superstar comprised 13 fours and one six.
Mitchell Santner (3/43 in 10 overs)
Santner truly put in a winning performance with the ball. The consistent channels he hit curbed the opposition batters to unleash the big shots. He conceded only two fours and a six during a high-octane game for run-scoring.
What’s next for both sides?
New Zealand will play India in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 8. The match will commence at 2:30 pm (IST).
As for South Africa, they are slated to lock horns with Australia in the final of the 2023-25 cycle of the World Test Championship. The red-ball game will take place at Lord’s in June later this year.
