📅 Match Date: March 5, 2025
📍 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
🏆 Final: New Zealand vs India — March 9, 2025, in Dubai
🏏 Match Summary: New Zealand Storm Into Champions Trophy Final
New Zealand produced a clinical performance to outclass South Africa by 50 runs in the 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite a fighting century from David Miller, the Proteas faltered in their chase of 363 and fell short, allowing the Black Caps to book a final showdown with India.
🔥 New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass: Powered by Williamson & Ravindra
Opting to bat first, New Zealand piled on an imposing 362/6 in their 50 overs. The batting charge was led by:
- Rachin Ravindra — 108 off 115 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes)
- Kane Williamson — 102 off 98 balls (9 fours) — becoming the first New Zealand batter to cross 19,000 international runs.
- The duo added a crucial 164-run partnership for the second wicket — laying a solid platform for a late assault.
Further down the order:
- Daryl Mitchell — 49 off 41 balls
- Glenn Phillips — 49 (not out) off 28 balls (3 fours, 4 sixes)
The late fireworks helped New Zealand breach the 350-run mark, giving their bowlers a formidable total to defend.
⚔️ South Africa’s Chase: Miller Fights, But Falls Short
In response, South Africa showed promise early on, with solid contributions from the top order. However, the middle-order collapse proved costly.
Key moments in South Africa’s innings:
- David Miller — 100 (not out) off 94 balls (9 fours, 3 sixes) — reached his century off the final ball of the match but lacked support at the other end.
- Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram provided a steady start but fell victim to New Zealand’s clever bowling variations in the middle overs.
The Proteas struggled against the spin of Mitchell Santner and the pace of Lockie Ferguson — losing wickets at crucial junctures. They eventually finished at 313/8 in their allotted 50 overs.
🎯 Key Bowling Performances: New Zealand’s Attack Delivers
New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerve, ensuring their batters’ hard work wasn’t wasted:
- Lockie Ferguson — 3/62 (10 overs) — consistently hit the deck hard, breaking partnerships at crucial moments.
- Mitchell Santner — 2/48 (10 overs) — expertly controlled the middle overs with sharp turn and flight.
- Matt Henry — 1/65 — picked up an early wicket to set the tone.
The Black Caps’ disciplined bowling in the death overs choked South Africa’s scoring rate, leaving too much for Miller to do single-handedly.
📊 Match Stats: Key Numbers at a Glance
- Highest partnership: Williamson & Ravindra — 164 runs (2nd wicket)
- Fastest fifty: Glenn Phillips — 50 off 25 balls
- Most sixes: Glenn Phillips — 4 sixes
- Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra — for his composed century and crucial partnership with Williamson.
🌟 What’s Next: The Final Showdown — New Zealand vs India
With this victory, New Zealand marches into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final to face India in Dubai on March 9. The Black Caps will be looking to capture their maiden Champions Trophy title, while India aims to add another trophy to their decorated cabinet.
Will Williamson’s men finally break their ICC title drought, or can Rohit Sharma’s India reign supreme in Dubai?
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