Date: Wednesday, March 5, 2025
In a thrilling semi-final match of the ICC Champions Trophy held in Lahore, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs. This victory secures their place in the final against India. thetimes.co.uk+3theguardian.com+3reuters.com+3
Match Summary
New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first. They set a formidable total of 362 runs for the loss of six wickets. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries, contributing significantly to the team's high score. theguardian.com
In response, South Africa managed to score 312 runs for nine wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Despite a valiant effort from David Miller, who scored a rapid 100, they fell short of the target. theguardian.com+2theguardian.com+2thetimes.co.uk+2
Key Performances
New Zealand Batting:
- Rachin Ravindra: Scored 108 runs.
- Kane Williamson: Scored 102 runs.
South Africa Batting:
- David Miller: Scored 100 runs.
New Zealand Bowling:
- Mitchell Santner (Captain): Took three wickets for 43 runs.reuters.com+3theguardian.com+3theguardian.com+3
Detailed Match Analysis
The match began with New Zealand opting to bat on a pitch that appeared favorable for batting. Openers Rachin Ravindra and Will Young provided a solid start, with Ravindra showcasing exceptional skill and temperament. His innings of 108 runs included precise stroke play and strategic shot selection.theguardian.com
Kane Williamson, coming in at number three, anchored the innings with his experience. His 102-run knock was a blend of caution and aggression, ensuring New Zealand maintained a strong run rate. The partnership between Ravindra and Williamson was pivotal, setting a challenging target for South Africa.reuters.com+3theguardian.com+3theguardian.com+3
South Africa's bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, struggled to contain the Kiwi batsmen. Despite their efforts, the disciplined batting from New Zealand made it difficult to stem the flow of runs.reuters.com+1reuters.com+1
Chasing 363 runs, South Africa faced early setbacks with the loss of quick wickets. However, David Miller's aggressive approach reignited hopes for the Proteas. His century came at a crucial time, but lack of support from the other end meant South Africa couldn't build the necessary partnerships.theguardian.com
New Zealand's bowlers executed their plans effectively. Captain Mitchell Santner led from the front, taking three crucial wickets and maintaining pressure on the South African batsmen. The fielding unit complemented the bowlers, ensuring that scoring opportunities were limited.reuters.comtheguardian.com
Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Top Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 362/6 | Rachin Ravindra (108) | Mitchell Santner (3/43) |
| South Africa | 312/9 | David Miller (100) | Kagiso Rabada (2/68) |
Looking Ahead
With this victory, New Zealand advances to the final, where they will face India. The final is scheduled to be held in Dubai, a venue where India has been dominant throughout the tournament. The pitch conditions in Dubai have favored spin bowling, which aligns well with India's strengths. theguardian.comthetimes.co.uk+1theguardian.com+1
New Zealand, however, will draw confidence from their recent performances. Their batting lineup has shown depth, and the bowlers have been effective in various conditions. The team will need to adapt quickly to the spin-friendly pitches of Dubai to challenge the in-form Indian side.thetimes.co.uk
Conclusion
New Zealand's comprehensive win over South Africa underscores their capability and resilience. The team's collective effort, highlighted by stellar performances from Ravindra, Williamson, and Santner, has paved the way for an exciting final against India. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await this clash, anticipating a contest filled with skill, strategy, and sportsmanship.
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