New Zealand outclass South Africa to join India in CT 2025 final

New Zealand to face India in the final of ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 after thrashing South Africa in the second semi final of the mega tournament here at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

Chasing a mammoth total, South Africa’s batting line faltered and could only manage to score 312-9 in 50 overs.

New Zealand’s Matt Henry struck early with the wicket of inform opener Ryan Rickelton(12) in the fourth over.

After the early blow, skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the chase, adding 105 runs.

Bavuma (56) fell prey to Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over. He struck one six and four fours in his brisk knock.

Soon after, Van der Dussen returned to the pavilion after scoring a well-made 69 off 66 deliveries, laced with four fours and two sixes.

Following his dismissal, New Zealand’s bowling triggered a batting collapse and flickered the hopes of South Africa.

Also read: New Zealand feel ‘lucky’ in Lahore

Santner spun a web around the Proteas and wickets fell at regular intervals. However, David Miller provided hope, but it proved too much for South Africa in the end.

After opting to bat, New Zealand posted 362-6 in their allotted 50 overs against a formidable South Africa bowling line up.

The opening pair of Rachin Ravindra and Will Young provided New Zealand with a solid start, putting together a partnership of 48 runs before Young was dismissed for 21 runs.

After Young’s dismissal, experienced player Kane Williamson joined Ravindra at the crease. The duo formed a significant partnership, adding 164 runs and putting New Zealand in a commanding position.

Ravindra scored an impressive 108 runs off 101 balls, hitting 13 fours and one six. At his dismissal, New Zealand were 212-2 in 33.3 overs.

Williamson forged another 39-run partnership for the third wicket with Daryl Mitchell, laying a solid foundation for a strong finish.

The talismanic batter continued his excellent form in the tournament, scoring his 15th ODI century before being dismissed for 102 runs. His flawless knock included ten fours and two sixes.

For South Africa Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, taking three for 72 in his 10 overs, while he was supported well with his two wickets.

Winner of the match will face India in the final on March 9 at Dubai International Stadium.

Playing XIs

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

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