In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, New Zealand secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final by defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the semi-final held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 5, 2025. This victory was anchored by stellar centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, complemented by a disciplined bowling performance led by captain Mitchell Santner.
Setting a Formidable Target
Winning the toss, New Zealand elected to bat, a decision that soon proved advantageous. Despite an early setback with opener Will Young departing for 21 runs, caught by Aiden Markram off Lungi Ngidi’s delivery, the team quickly regained momentum. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson orchestrated a masterful partnership, adding 164 runs for the second wicket. Ravindra’s innings of 108 runs off 101 balls featured 13 boundaries and a six, showcasing his aggressive yet calculated approach. Williamson mirrored this excellence with a 94-ball 102, including ten fours and two sixes, demonstrating his trademark composure and technique.
The duo’s partnership not only stabilized the innings but also laid a robust foundation for the middle order. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips capitalised on this platform, both contributing rapid 49-run knocks. Phillips remained unbeaten, facing just 27 balls and striking six fours and a six, propelling New Zealand to a formidable total of 362 for 6—the highest score in Champions Trophy history.
South Africa’s Response
Chasing a daunting target of 363, South Africa’s innings began with promise. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Temba Bavuma navigated the initial overs cautiously, adding 56 runs in the first powerplay. Rickelton’s aggressive 17 off 12 balls was curtailed by Matt Henry, who had him caught by Michael Bracewell. Bavuma, anchoring the innings, scored 56 runs off 71 balls, including four boundaries and a six, before falling to Santner, caught by Williamson.
Rassie van der Dussen contributed a brisk 69 off 66 balls, featuring four fours and two sixes, but his dismissal by Santner marked a turning point. The middle order struggled to build substantial partnerships, with Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram departing cheaply. David Miller emerged as the standout performer for South Africa, unleashing a counter-attacking century. His unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, laced with ten fours and four sixes, injected hope into the South African camp. However, with wickets tumbling at the other end, Miller’s valiant effort proved insufficient, and South Africa concluded their innings at 312 for 9.
Bowling Brilliance
New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans with precision. Captain Mitchell Santner led by example, claiming three crucial wickets for 43 runs in his 10-over spell. His scalps included Bavuma, van der Dussen, and Klaasen, effectively dismantling South Africa’s top and middle order. Matt Henry provided vital breakthroughs, dismissing Rickelton early and later removing Kagiso Rabada, finishing with figures of 2 for 43. Glenn Phillips also chipped in, taking two wickets for 27 runs, further tightening New Zealand’s grip on the match.
Captain’s Insight
Reflecting on the victory, Santner emphasized the significance of the Ravindra-Williamson partnership, stating, “The platform that we were able to set was vital with Rachin and Kane doing their things.” He also lauded the bowlers for maintaining pressure and consistently taking wickets, which thwarted South Africa’s chase.
Looking Ahead
With this triumph, New Zealand advanced to their seventh ICC final and fourth in the ODI format where they face India in the final on March 9, 2025, in Dubai. The team’s comprehensive performance against South Africa, characterised by robust batting and strategic bowling, positions them as formidable contenders for the title.
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