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New Zealand Triumph Over South Africa by 50 Runs to Enter Champions Trophy 2025 Final
Champions Trophy 2025 Semifinal: New Zealand Outclass South Africa to Secure Spot in the Final
Lahore, March 5, 2025 – New Zealand delivered a commanding performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal, defeating South Africa by 50 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With this victory, the Black Caps have secured their place in the final, where they will face India in a high-stakes clash for the prestigious title.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand set a formidable target of 363 runs, powered by stellar centuries from Rachin Ravindra and captain Kane Williamson. The Kiwi batting lineup dominated from the start, making South Africa’s bowlers toil under the Lahore heat.
New Zealand’s innings began on a solid note with openers Finn Allen and Devon Conway stitching together a 68-run partnership. Conway fell for 34, and Allen followed soon after with a well-made 45. However, their dismissals paved the way for a masterclass from Williamson and Ravindra.
The duo orchestrated a breathtaking 187-run stand, keeping the scoreboard ticking with precise stroke play and aggressive hitting. Ravindra was the aggressor, smashing 114 off 98 balls, while Williamson played a composed captain’s knock of 102 off 117 deliveries. Their efforts left South Africa reeling, as they struggled to break the partnership.
Even after their dismissals, Glenn Phillips (49 off 30) and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 36) provided the finishing touches, ensuring New Zealand crossed the 350-run mark. South Africa’s bowling unit, despite Kagiso Rabada’s efforts (3/67), had no answers to the relentless Kiwi batting onslaught.
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South Africa’s Chase Falls Short
Facing a daunting target, South Africa needed a strong start, but early wickets put them under pressure. Quinton de Kock (29) and Reeza Hendricks (24) got starts but failed to convert them into big scores, falling to the disciplined pace attack of Trent Boult and Matt Henry.
The middle order, featuring Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, and Heinrich Klaasen, attempted to stabilize the innings but struggled to keep up with the climbing run rate. At 198/6 in the 35th over, South Africa’s hopes of a successful chase had nearly faded.
However, David Miller refused to go down without a fight. Playing a lone warrior’s role, he smashed an unbeaten 112 off 89 balls, sending the ball to the boundary with remarkable ease. His innings, filled with six sixes and ten fours, gave South African fans something to cheer about. Unfortunately, Miller’s valiant effort wasn’t enough, as the Proteas ended at 312/9 in 50 overs, falling 50 runs short.
New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans to perfection, never allowing South Africa to dictate the chase. Boult (2/56) and Henry (2/64) made early inroads, while Lockie Ferguson’s fiery pace (2/58) rattled the middle order. Mitchell Santner provided crucial breakthroughs, keeping the South African batsmen under pressure.
Despite Miller’s brilliance, New Zealand’s clinical bowling attack ensured their dominance, with timely wickets crushing South Africa’s hopes of a comeback.
A Familiar Tale for South Africa, Glory Awaits for New Zealand
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