The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore turned into a dominant show for the Kiwis. New Zealand delivered a well-rounded performance to defeat South Africa by 50 runs, securing their place in the final against India on March 9 in Dubai.
Match Summary
- New Zealand: 362/6 (50 overs)
- Kane Williamson: 102 (94)
- Rachin Ravindra: 108 (101)
- Glenn Phillips: 49 (27)
- Daryl Mitchell: 49 (37)
- South Africa: 312/9 (50 overs)
- Temba Bavuma: 56 (71)
- Rassie van der Dussen: 69 (66)
- David Miller: 100* (67)
- Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
- Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra
First Innings: New Zealand’s Strong Batting Display
New Zealand’s batting was led by their experienced duo of Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, who built a solid foundation with their century knocks.
- Opening Struggle & Middle-Order Power:
- After a slow start, Williamson (102 off 94) and Ravindra (108 off 101) accelerated the innings, ensuring a strong total.
- Late fireworks from Glenn Phillips (49 off 27) and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) helped New Zealand reach 362/6.
- South Africa’s Bowling Struggles:
- Lungi Ngidi (10-0-72-3) was the most successful bowler.
- Kagiso Rabada (10-0-70-2) also chipped in but was expensive.
- Keshav Maharaj (10-0-65-0) struggled to contain runs.
Second Innings: Miller’s Lone Fight
South Africa’s chase started with promise but lacked the momentum to chase down the mammoth target.
- Steady Start, Lack of Acceleration:
- Temba Bavuma (56 off 71) and Rassie van der Dussen (69 off 66) built a steady partnership but couldn’t score at the required rate.
- Aiden Markram (31 off 29) fell trying to accelerate.
- Miller’s Fighting Century Goes in Vain:
- David Miller (100 off 67)* tried his best to keep South Africa in the hunt but lacked support from the lower order.
- New Zealand’s Bowlers Deliver Under Pressure:
- Mitchell Santner (10-0-43-3) and Matt Henry (10-0-43-2) controlled the middle overs.
- Glenn Phillips (3-0-27-2) took crucial wickets in the death overs.
Key Stats from the Match
South Africa’s ICC Semi-final Woes Continue
- Matches Played: 11
- Won: 1 (vs Sri Lanka, 1998)
- Lost: 9
- Tied: 1 (vs Australia, 1999)
- No team has lost more ICC ODI semi-finals than South Africa.
Fastest Hundreds in Champions Trophy History
- 67 balls – David Miller (SA) vs NZ, Lahore, 2025 SF
- 77 balls – Virender Sehwag (IND) vs ENG, Colombo RPS, 2002
- 77 balls – Josh Inglis (AUS) vs ENG, Lahore, 2025
- 80 balls – Shikhar Dhawan (IND) vs SA, Cardiff, 2013
- 87 balls – Tillakaratne Dilshan (SL) vs SA, Centurion, 2009
Most Consecutive ODI Wins in Pakistan (Visiting Teams)
- 7 – India (Feb 2006 – Jun 2008)
- 7 – New Zealand* (May 2023 – Mar 2025)
- 6 – Sri Lanka (Oct 1995 – Nov 1997)
(New Zealand’s streak is ongoing.)
Captains’ Reactions
🇳🇿 Mitchell Santner (New Zealand Captain)
“A great team effort. Rachin and Kane set up the total beautifully, and our spinners controlled the chase. Looking forward to the final against India.”
🇿🇦 Temba Bavuma (South Africa Captain)
“We couldn’t capitalize on the strong start. Needed one of us to stay till the end like Miller did. Tough loss, but we’ll come back stronger.”
🌟 Rachin Ravindra (Player of the Match)
“It was important to build a solid platform. Kane and I took our time, and in the end, the total was more than enough. Now, we focus on the final.”
Final Showdown: India vs New Zealand – Who Has the Edge?
New Zealand will now face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai. The history between these two teams in ICC knockout matches favors New Zealand, who have dominated India in big games:
- ICC 2000 Knockout Trophy Final – NZ won
- 2019 World Cup Semi-final – NZ won
- 2021 World Test Championship Final – NZ won
However, India have been dominant in the Champions Trophy, reaching a record 5th final and are in superb form. With their strong batting lineup and spin-friendly conditions in Dubai, they will start as slight favorites.
The stage is set for a blockbuster final between two of the best teams in world cricket!
📍 Final Match: 🇮🇳 India vs New Zealand 🇳🇿
📅 Date: March 9, 2025
📍 Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium
Who will lift the ICC Champions Trophy 2025? Stay tuned for all the updates!
Also Read: India Storm into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final with a Clinical Win Over Australia
Follow Vibe Sutra