SA vs NZ: In a nail-biting semi-final match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand survived South Africa to qualify for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kiwis will now face India on 9 March at Dubai International Cricket Stadium and are expected to give a final encounter to remember. Rachin Ravindra played a knock to win the match with 108 runs and was given the player of the match award for the same.
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra Take New Zealand to a Conquering Total
Batting first, New Zealand posted a strong score of 362 runs for losing six wickets from their 50 overs. The magnificent performances of seasoned batsman Kane Williamson and youngster opener Rachin Ravindra powered the team.
Ravindra, in particular, scored an attacking knock, making 108 runs off 91 deliveries, including 13 fours and a six. His innings paved the way for New Zealand’s dominant batting effort.
But it was Kane Williamson’s graceful and match-winning 102 that served to underpin New Zealand’s innings. The experienced batsman, with his reputation for calmness and ability, hit 10 fours and two sixes in his innings.
Williamson’s association with Ravindra was important as the two put together a sturdy 164-run stand for the second wicket, propelling New Zealand into a dominant position.
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After Williamson’s dismissal, the Kiwi batting order kept on attacking. Daryl Mitchell scored 49 runs, while Glenn Phillips scored 49* and remained not out. In the last overs of the innings, Will Young also scored 21 runs.
South Africa’s Chase Falls Short Despite David Miller’s Heroic Effort
South Africa’s pursuit, in return, never got the momentum to hit the mark of 363 runs. Although there was a courageous performance from David Miller, who scored a brilliant 100* runs, the Proteas were short by 50 runs. Miller’s performance was a show of big-hitting as he hit 10 fours and four sixes, but nothing could stop South Africa from being defeated.
Miller received excellent support from captain Temba Bavuma, who made 56 runs, and Rassi Van der Dussen, who made 69 runs. The trio’s efforts were, however, not enough to take the team home. The South African innings were constantly marred by consistent breakthroughs from New Zealand’s bowlers.
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Mitchell Santner’s Clinical Bowling Performance
Mitchell Santner, their captain, was the hero for New Zealand, as he led his team to victory with a tremendous spell of three for 43 in ten overs. Santner was the main reason for overrunning the momentum of the Proteas’ chase, taking wickets at regular intervals and putting the South African team on the back foot all the time.
Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa, taking two wickets while Lungi Ngidi had three scalps. Wiaan Mulder added another one but that was too little to make a difference in the end.
New Zealand Advances to the Final of Champions Trophy 2025
With this 50-run victory, New Zealand has secured a spot in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against India on March 9. The highly awaited final will be taking place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, promising an exciting encounter between two cricketing powerhouses. New Zealand will look to carry its recent success into the final and challenge India for the prestigious trophy.
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