Ravindra and Williamson Shine as New Zealand Storms into ICC Champions Trophy Final Against India
- Abeera Marium Siddiqui
- March 6, 2025
- 10:04 am
- 115
- Sports
New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy semi-final: New Zealand secure a stunning 50-run victory, thanks to brilliant centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson
New Zealand stormed into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after defeating South Africa by 50 runs. The New Zealand vs South Africa Champions Trophy semi-final was full of action, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scoring brilliant centuries. Mitchell Santner’s outstanding bowling made sure South Africa fell short in their chase. Here’s how the match unfolded in Lahore.
New Zealand’s Batting Dominance
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young gave them a steady start, adding 48 runs. Young was dismissed for 21, bringing Kane Williamson to the crease.
Ravindra and Williamson built a massive 164-run partnership, the highest for New Zealand in Champions Trophy history. Ravindra played aggressively, scoring 108 off 101 balls. His innings included 13 fours and a six, keeping the pressure on South Africa’s bowlers.
Williamson played a steady role early on. He reached his first fifty off 61 balls but accelerated later, scoring his second fifty in just 30 deliveries. He finished with 102 off 94 balls, hitting 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Late Flourish Seals the Deal
After Ravindra and Williamson departed, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips continued the attack. Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls, while Phillips smashed an unbeaten 49 off 27 balls.
Phillips was especially dangerous, hitting four consecutive boundaries in one over off Marco Jansen. New Zealand scored 110 runs in the last 10 overs, finishing at 362/6. This was the highest total in Champions Trophy history.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled. Lungi Ngidi took 3 wickets for 72 runs, and Kagiso Rabada took 2 for 70.
South Africa’s Chase Falls Apart
South Africa needed 363 runs to win. Their chase started badly when Ryan Rickelton fell early. But captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a 105-run partnership.
Bavuma made 56, while van der Dussen looked good for his 69 off 66 balls. But Mitchell Santner turned the match with a superb spell.
Santner dismissed Bavuma and van der Dussen quickly. He also removed Heinrich Klaasen for just 3, putting South Africa in deep trouble at 218/8.
Miller’s Lone Fight Goes in Vain
David Miller played a lone hand, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls. He hit 10 fours and 4 sixes, reaching his century on the last ball of the match. But his effort was not enough. South Africa finished at 312/9, 50 runs short.
Santner was the star with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs. Glenn Phillips (2-27) and Matt Henry (2-43) also bowled well. Ravindra chipped in with one wicket, completing a great all-round performance.
New Zealand’s Journey to the Final
This win secured New Zealand’s seventh ICC final appearance and their fourth in an ODI event. Their last ICC ODI trophy came in 2000. Now, they have another chance to win.
For South Africa, their semi-final struggles continued. This was their fifth Champions Trophy semi-final loss. Despite Miller’s brilliant knock, they once again failed in a high-pressure game.
New Zealand vs India: A Thrilling Final Ahead
New Zealand will now face India in the ICC Champions Trophy final in Dubai. Both teams have been in great form.
Will New Zealand end their long wait for an ICC trophy? Or will India continue their dominance? Cricket fans around the world will be watching closely.
