Despite an aggressive onslaught from David Miller, New Zealand clinched a comprehensive 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, marking a fitting conclusion to the multi-nation event in Pakistan.
Chasing a challenging target of 363, South Africa's batting lineup managed to reach 312/9 in their allotted overs, thanks to a late surge from David Miller.
South Africa's chase of 363 got off to a rocky start as opener Ryan Rickelton (17) was dismissed by Matt Henry in the fifth over, leaving them at 20/1.
After the early setback, in-form Rassie van der Dussen partnered with Temba Bavuma to steady the ship. The pair combined for a crucial 105-run second-wicket stand, both reaching half-centuries before Bavuma was dismissed by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over. Bavuma scored 57 off 71 balls, including four fours and a six.
Van der Dussen then briefly partnered with Aiden Markram for 36 runs before falling to Santner as well. He made a valuable 69 off 66 balls, including four fours and two sixes.
With the score at 218/8, South Africa’s hopes rested on David Miller, who responded with a determined fightback. The experienced batter smashed an unbeaten century, scoring 100 off 67 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes, but his efforts were not enough to guide his team to victory.
Santner was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry each claimed two wickets, while Michael Bracewell and Ravindra contributed one each.
The Kiwis, who remained unbeaten in Pakistan throughout the tournament, will face India in the final on Sunday in Dubai.
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries as New Zealand posted an imposing total of 362/6 in their bid to secure a place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Only twice in one-day international history has a total this large been chased in the second innings, both times by South Africa.
Ravindra's well-crafted 108 off 101 balls came to an end when he was caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Kagiso Rabada, while Williamson’s knock of 102 off 94 balls was ended when Lungi Ngidi caught him off Wiaan Mulder.
New Zealand had lost Will Young early, who was dismissed for 13, caught by Aiden Markram off Ngidi, leaving them at 48/1. However, Ravindra and Williamson formed a solid partnership, taking the team to 34 overs before the first wicket fell.
Tom Latham’s brief stay ended with just four runs before being bowled by Rabada. Daryl Mitchell was dismissed for 49 off 37 balls, falling agonisingly short of a half-century, while Michael Bracewell was dismissed for 16 off 12 deliveries.
Glenn Phillips, who was on 49 from 27 balls with six fours and a six, also missed out on the strike for the final ball of the innings, leaving him just shy of a half-century.
Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, ensured the score continued to rise, scrambling two runs from the final ball of the innings.
Playing XI:
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.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
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