Lahore, March 5, 2025 – New Zealand has qualified for the Champions Trophy final after defeating South Africa in the second semi-final. New Zealand Reaches Champions Trophy Final for the Third Time. The match, played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, saw New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bat first. Thanks to brilliant performances by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, New Zealand set a daunting target of 363 runs for South Africa. The Kiwis posted a total of 362 runs for the loss of six wickets.
Related Post: NZ vs SA: Rachin Ravindra, Williamson Shine with the Bat
For New Zealand, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries, while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributed 49 runs each. Openers Will Young and Tom Latham were the only ones who failed to capitalize, scoring 21 and 4 runs, respectively. Ravindra and Williamson built a crucial 164-run partnership for the second wicket, both reaching their half-centuries before converting them into centuries. Ravindra scored 108 runs off 101 balls, hitting one six and 13 fours, while Williamson played a 102-run knockoff on 94 balls, including two sixes and ten fours.
Daryl Mitchell added 49 runs off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips played an explosive 49-run innings off just 27 balls, hitting one six and six fours. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, Kagiso Rabada claimed two, and Wiaan Mulder took one.
South Africa’s Batting Performance
Chasing the biggest target in Champions Trophy history, South Africa lost their first wicket at 20 runs when Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for 17. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then stitched a 105-run partnership, both completing their half-centuries. However, they couldn’t push on—Bavuma was dismissed for 56, while van der Dussen fell for 69.
Aiden Markram managed 31 runs before getting out, while Heinrich Klaasen, who had been in good ODI form, could only score 3 runs. From that point, South Africa’s batting collapsed, with wickets falling at regular intervals. David Miller fought until the end, but his efforts weren’t enough to save the team from defeat.
David Miller fought back with a century against the Kiwi bowlers, but due to the high run rate and falling wickets, he couldn’t take his team across the finish line.
For New Zealand, captain Mitchell Santner took three wickets, while Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips claimed two each. Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell took one wicket apiece.
India Set for Final Clash Against New Zealand
It is worth noting that India had already qualified for the tournament final by defeating Australia in the first semi-final. The Champions Trophy final between New Zealand and India will take place on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
