Lahore – In the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy SA vs NZ, New Zealand secured a place in the final by defeating South Africa by 50 runs. The mega event’s final will take place on March 9 in Dubai between New Zealand and India.
In the SA vs NZ match played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, New Zealand batted first and, thanks to brilliant centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, posted a total of 362 runs for the loss of six wickets in the allotted 50 overs.
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South Africa’s Batting
While chasing the target in the SA vs NZ match, only David Miller managed to put up a significant fight for South Africa, as other batsmen failed to perform well. Due to Miller’s century, the Proteas managed to score 312 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 50 overs. It is noteworthy that this was the third time the record for the highest total in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament was broken.
South Africa’s first wicket fell at just 20 runs when Ryan Rickelton was dismissed after scoring 17 runs. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen built a 105-run partnership, during which both players completed their half-centuries. However, they failed to carry their innings further. Bavuma was dismissed for 56 runs, and van der Dussen’s innings ended at 69 runs. Aiden Markram then came in to bat but could only score 31 runs.
South African batsman Heinrich Klaasen, who was in good form in One Day Internationals, was expected to make the match interesting, but unfortunately, he could only score 3 runs. Other players, including Wiaan Mulder (8), Marco Jansen (3), Keshav Maharaj (1), and Kagiso Rabada (16), failed to make an impact. However, David Miller remained at the crease until the end and completed his century on the last ball of the innings. He scored 100 runs off 67 balls, hitting four sixes and ten fours.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner took three wickets, Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips took two each, while Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra claimed one wicket each.
New Zealand’s Batting
Earlier, apart from Will Young and Tom Latham, all New Zealand batsmen played exceptionally well. Will Young scored 21, and Tom Latham was dismissed for 4 runs.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson formed a crucial 164-run partnership for the second wicket. During this stand, both batsmen first reached their half-centuries and later completed their centuries. Ravindra scored 108 runs off 101 balls, including one six and thirteen fours, before getting out. Kane Williamson played an innings of 102 runs off 94 balls, including two sixes and ten fours.
Daryl Mitchell contributed 49 runs off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips played an aggressive knock of 49 runs off 27 balls, which included one six and six fours. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, Kagiso Rabada grabbed two, and Wiaan Mulder took one wicket.
India vs New Zealand Final on March 9
It is worth mentioning that India had already qualified for the ICC Champions Trophy final by defeating Australia in the first semi-final played in Dubai. The Champions Trophy final will be played between New Zealand and India on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
All Tickets Sold for Champions Trophy 2025 Final
All tickets for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, set to be played in Dubai, have been sold out. The final between India and New Zealand on March 9 will take place in front of a packed stadium of 25,000 spectators. The total revenue from ticket sales has reached approximately 9 million dirhams. General admission tickets were sold between 250 and 500 dirhams, while final match tickets were priced between 250 dirhams and 12,000 dirhams.
