New Zealand triumphed over South Africa by 50 runs to reach the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will compete against India.
This victory marked a significant opportunity for New Zealand to contend for a major ICC trophy, while for South Africa, it was yet another heartbreaking exit in a knockout-stage match of a major event, reports UNB.
Riding on the centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, the Black Caps set a big target of 363, which proved too tough for South Africa despite a late-century from David Miller.
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand lost opener Will Young for 21, but Ravindra and Williamson built a solid platform with a 164-run stand for the second wicket.
Ravindra, continuing his superb form, scored 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson struck 102 off 94 deliveries, both mixing caution with aggression.
Contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 not out off 27) ensured New Zealand crossed the 360-run mark.
South Africa’s bowlers found it tough to contain New Zealand’s batting depth. Lungi Ngidi took 3 for 72, while Kagiso Rabada bagged two wickets.
Chasing 363, South Africa needed a strong start but lost Ryan Rickelton early.
Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a 105-run stand. Bavuma made 56 off 71, while van der Dussen added 69 off 66, but neither could carry on to lead the chase.
The turning point came when Mitchell Santner, who finished with 3 for 43, removed both Bavuma and van der Dussen in quick succession.
South Africa’s middle order then collapsed under pressure, leaving too much for Miller to do alone.
Miller fought alone, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive until the final overs.
However, wickets kept falling around him, and the required run rate soared out of reach. Matt Henry, Michael Bracewell, and Glenn Phillips chipped in with key wickets to keep South Africa in check.
“The platform we were able to set with Rachin and Kane was great. The finishers did their job, and the key for the bowlers was to keep chipping away with wickets,” After the match, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said.
Bd-pratidin English/ Afia
