New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to secure a final spot in the ICC Champions Trophy against India. They scored a tournament record of 362-6 powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. South Africa managed 312-9 in response, with David Miller scoring a century but unable to avert defeat. New Zealand’s bowlers now prepare to face a strong Indian batting side in the final.
New Zealand triumphed over South Africa by 50 runs in the semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, securing a place in the finals against India scheduled for Sunday in Dubai. They set a tournament record by scoring 362-6 at the Gaddafi Stadium, courtesy of remarkable centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
Upon winning the toss and opting to bat, New Zealand displayed aggressive batting, with Ravindra and Williamson establishing a significant 164-run partnership for the second wicket. Ravindra achieved his fifth ODI century with 108 runs off 101 balls, while Williamson scored 102 runs off 94 balls. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributed valuable late runs, pushing New Zealand’s total to a record score for this tournament.
In reply, South Africa’s innings struggled despite David Miller’s dazzling unbeaten century of 100 off 67 balls, reached on the final delivery of the match. The middle order’s collapse, as six wickets fell for just 57 runs, proved detrimental. South Africa concluded their chase with 312-9, falling short of New Zealand’s total, while New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner led his bowlers with an impressive 3-43.
Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi finished with 3-72, and Kagiso Rabada claimed 2-70, playing significant roles in the South African bowling attack. However, the pressure on South Africa’s batters escalated as they could not maintain momentum after a solid start. New Zealand’s bowlers will need to regroup ahead of their final against a formidable Indian side rich in batting talent.
New Zealand’s performance in the semifinal showcases their batting prowess and strategic bowling. By overpowering South Africa with a record score, they have set the stage for an exciting final against India. The match highlights include stellar performances from Ravindra and Williamson, while South Africa’s inability to maintain stability in their middle order ultimately cost them the match. The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling contest, particularly for New Zealand’s bowlers facing India’s batting lineup.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
