LAHORE: A dominant all-round effort with bat and ball propelled New Zealand to the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 final as they overpowered South Africa by 50 runs in the 2nd semi-final here at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a daunting total of 363, South Africa’s batting line faltered and could only score 312-9 in 50 overs. David Miller’s fighting century was the only silver lining for South Africa in a challenging run chase.
New Zealand’s Matt Henry struck early with the wicket of inform opener Ryan Rickelton(12) in the fourth over.
After the early blow, skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the chase, adding 105 runs.
Bavuma (56) fell prey to Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over. He struck one six and four fours in his knock.
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Soon after, Van der Dussen returned to the pavilion after scoring a well-made 69 off 66 deliveries, laced with four fours and two sixes.
Following his dismissal, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling triggered a batting collapse and flickered the hopes of South Africa with wickets in quick succession.
The experienced batters Heinrich Klaasen (3) and Aiden Markram (31) could not do much in the run chase as Santner spun a web around the Proteas with left-arm spin bowling.
At one stage South Africa were reeling at 218-8, however, David Miller, who played a lone hand, provided hope with his blazing century off 67 balls, but it proved too much for South Africa.
The left-hander remained unbeaten on 100, scoring his century on the last ball of the innings. His sublime knock featured ten fours and four sixes.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner was the standout bowler who picked up three wickets in his ten overs, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry supported him well, bagging two wickets each.
Rachin Ravindra was named Player of the Match for his all-around performance.
Earlier, Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra’s centuries powered New Zealand to a formidable total of 362 against South Africa in their 50 overs.
After opting to bat, New Zealand posted 362-6 in their allotted 50 overs against a formidable South Africa bowling line up.
The opening pair of Rachin Ravindra and Will Young provided New Zealand with a solid start, putting together a partnership of 48 runs before Young was dismissed for 21 runs.
After Young’s dismissal, experienced player Kane Williamson joined Ravindra at the crease. The duo formed a significant partnership, adding 164 runs and putting New Zealand in a commanding position.
Ravindra scored an impressive 108 runs off 101 balls, hitting 13 fours and one six. At his dismissal, New Zealand were 212-2 in 33.3 overs.
Williamson forged another 39-run partnership for the third wicket with Daryl Mitchell, laying a solid foundation for a strong finish.
The talismanic batter continued his excellent form in the tournament, scoring his 15th ODI century before being dismissed for 102 runs. His flawless knock included ten fours and two sixes.
In the last ten overs of the innings, the Black Caps accumulated 110 runs, thanks to cameos of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips.
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Mitchell was caught just one run shy of a half-century. He struck four fours and one six, in his 37-ball 49. On the other hand, Phillips remained unbeaten with his blazing 49 off 27 balls, featuring half a dozen fours and one six.
For South Africa Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 72 in his 10 overs, while he was supported well with his two wickets.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke
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