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Ravindra, Williamson Tons Propel New Zealand to Champions Trophy 2025 Final
New Zealand delivered a dominant all-round performance to defeat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Lahore. Riding on sensational centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, the Black Caps set an imposing target of 362. Their spinners then tightened the grip in the second innings, ensuring South Africa fell short despite a breathtaking late assault from David Miller, who smashed the fastest century in Champions Trophy history.
New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Stage
Ravindra and Williamson Lead from the Front
Opting to bat first, New Zealand got off to a steady start. Rachin Ravindra, in sublime touch from the outset, dominated the scoring while his opening partner Will Young fell early. South Africa briefly controlled the game, keeping the run rate in check, but Williamson and Ravindra quickly turned the tide.
Ravindra’s aggressive stroke play kept the scoreboard ticking, with Williamson anchoring the innings. Keshav Maharaj managed to slow things down initially, but once the pair got settled, they took him apart with consecutive sixes.
Both batters reached significant milestones, with Williamson bringing up his fifty in 61 balls and Ravindra completing his fifth ODI century—remarkably, all five of his tons have come in ICC tournaments.
Late Flourish Ensures Mammoth Total
With the platform set, Williamson shifted gears. His innovative stroke play, particularly the scoop shot, helped him accelerate, bringing up his second fifty in just 31 deliveries. However, his attempt to execute the same shot led to his dismissal.
As South Africa sensed an opportunity, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips took charge. They unleashed a brutal attack in the final six overs, smashing 83 runs and propelling New Zealand to a massive 362/6 in 50 overs.
South Africa’s Chase Falters Under Spin Pressure
Tough Start and Middle-Order Collapse
Chasing a daunting target, South Africa struggled early. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson maintained tight lines, with Jamieson even bowling a maiden. Ryan Rickelton fell cheaply, miscuing an off-cutter from Henry straight to cover.
Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then stabilized the innings, gradually increasing the scoring rate. They fought hard against William O’Rourke but found New Zealand’s spinners too difficult to handle.
Michael Bracewell’s tight spell built pressure before Mitchell Santner turned the game decisively. Bowling with flight and turn, he dismissed both set batters in quick succession—Bavuma was out trying to accelerate, while van der Dussen had his stumps rattled.
Klaasen’s Dismissal Seals South Africa’s Fate
With South Africa needing a special innings, Heinrich Klaasen looked to take charge. However, Kane Williamson strategically placed his fielders and won the much-anticipated battle as Klaasen holed out to long-on.
From there, the floodgates opened. Bracewell and Phillips cleaned up the middle order, leaving South Africa staring at a heavy defeat.
David Miller’s Record-Breaking Century Saves Face
Blazing Knock Reduces Defeat Margin
With South Africa down and out, David Miller produced a stunning counterattack. Batting with the tail, Miller turned the final few overs into an exhibition of power-hitting.
At the end of the 46th over, he was on 47 off 43 balls. What followed was a breathtaking assault on Jamieson and O’Rourke, as he farmed the strike and smashed boundaries at will.
Needing 18 runs from the final over to reach his century, Miller timed his assault perfectly. Off the last ball of the innings, he reached his ton in just 67 deliveries—the fastest century in Champions Trophy history. His brilliance ensured South Africa reduced their loss margin to 50 runs instead of what once looked like a defeat by over 100 runs.
Match Summary
New Zealand: 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102, Glenn Phillips 49*; Lungi Ngidi 3/72)
South Africa: 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69; Mitchell Santner 3/43)
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs.
With this commanding victory, New Zealand now advances to the Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will take on India in a highly anticipated clash.
New Zealand’s Road to the Champions Trophy Final
Champions Trophy 2025 Official Updates
