At the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, South Africa and New Zealand contested a thrilling second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand secured a place in the final against India with a 50-run win. Although David Miller’s last-ball century went for nothing as South Africa faltered in their pursuit of 363 runs, Rachin Ravindra’s century was important for New Zealand’s win.
Overview of the Match
- Match: Champions Trophy 2025, Semi-Final, South Africa vs. New Zealand
- Venue: Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium
- Date: March 5, 2025
- Result: The result was a 50-run win for New Zealand.
- Man of the match: Rachin Ravindra was man of the match with 108 runs.
Report on Toss and Pitch
New Zealand won the toss, and decided to bat firston Lahore’s high-scoring pitch. There were already a number of 300+ scores in the tournament at the Gaddafi Stadium, and the weather was perfect for an intense match because there was no possibility of rain. It was expected that the pitch wouldhelp spinners later in the game while at the same time benefitting batsmen.
New Zealand Innings: 362/6 (50 Overs)
New Zealand’s batting lineup delivered an unbelievable performance with 362/6 runs. This was the highest score of the entire tournament.
Top Scorer:
- Rachin Ravindra: 108 runs (97 balls, 11 fours, and 2 sixes) by Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson: Kane Williamson made 102 runs off 91 balls, 9 fours, and 1 six.
- Glenn Phillips: 49 runs from 27 balls, 4 fours, and 2 sixes by Glenn Phillips
- Daryl Mitchell: 49 runs (five fours, one six, and 42 balls)
Key Highlights
- New Zealand made a great start and eventually reached 48/0 in the first seven overs.
- Will Young’s wicket was the 1st one to fall (21), caught off the slower ball of Lungi Ngidi.
- Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra made a solid 164-run stand.
- Williamson successfully made his 15th ODI century but fell shortly after reaching the milestone.
- Although Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell started late to perform well, they added 110 runs in the last 10 overs.
The bowling stats for South Africa:
- Lungi Ngidi: 10 overs at 3/72
- Kagiso Rabada: 1/63 (10 overs)
- Wiaan Mulder: 9 overs at 1/58
- Marco Jansen: 10 overs at 1/70
Chase from South Africa: 312/9 (50 overs)
With initial setbacks and constant wicket losses, South Africa was in pursuit of a record ICC Champions Trophy score. Despite David Miller’s remarkable century, they fell short by 50 runs.
Top Performers
- David Miller: 67 balls, 8 fours, 5 sixes, 100* runs
- Rassie van der Dussen: seven fours, one six, and 69 runs from 74 balls
- Temba Bavuma: 56 runs by Temba Bavuma (65 balls, 5 fours, 1 six)
- Aiden Markram: 31 runs (three fours, one six, and 28 balls)
Key Highlights
- Ryan Rickelton (17) was dismissed in favour of Matt Henry, with South Africa losing their first wicket prematurely.
- Bavuma and Van der Dussen made a century partnership. This kept the hope of South Africa.
- During the middle overs, Mitchell Santner struck two wickets, getting rid of Bavuma and Van der Dussen.
- With additional pressure from Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra, wickets continued to fall.
- Miller’s solitary battle was one in which he scored a century, but he had no support from the lower order.
New Zealand’s Bowling Figures:
- Mitchell Santner: 3/43 (10 overs)
- Matt Henry: 2/52 (9 overs)
- Glenn Phillips: 2/48 (8 overs)
- Rachin Ravindra: 1/37 (6 overs)
- Michael Bracewell: 1/41 (7 overs)
Key Moments in the Match
- Ravindra and Williamson’s 164-run partnership was the foundation for New Zealand’s staggering total.
- Santner Double Strike: The chase by South Africa was disrupted when Bavuma and Van der Dussen were sent back in quick succession.
- Phillips and Mitchell’s Late Charge: New Zealand’s score crossed 360 due to their aggressive batting during the last ten overs.
- Miller’s Lone Battle: South Africa lost the match as other batsmen failed to support him, though he had a century with an unbeaten score.
India vs. New Zealand on their way to the Final
Today, March 9, in Dubai, India will face New Zealand in the final of the Champions Trophy 2025. Since both sides are playing at an optimum level, the contest should be exciting. India reached the final by winning against Australia in the first semi-final.
