New Zealand has qualified for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 tournament as they defeated South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore on March 5, 2025. With this win, they will now clash with India in the final on March 9, Sunday.
Mitchell Santner had won the toss and decided that New Zealand would bat first on a batting wicket in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. His batters proved him right as Rachin Ravindra made 108 with 13 fours and 1 six, while Kane Williamson hit 102 with 10 fours and 2 sixes. The duo added 164 runs for the second wicket.
Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49*) then ensured that New Zealand posted an above-par score of 362/6 in 50 overs. For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi took 3 wickets, while Kagiso Rabada took 2 wickets.
South Africa’s chase just didn’t start at all as captain Temba Bavuma struggled to 56 in 71 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen made 69 runs. Their 105-run partnership set the platform for the big hitters to follow, but the asking rate was too much.
Aiden Markram made 31, while big gun Heinrich Klaasen could only make 3 runs. David Miller trudged along and scored 100* with 10 fours and 4 sixes but couldn’t take Proteas to the win. In the end, South Africa finished on 312/9 and lost by 50 runs.
Mitchell Santner shined with 3 wickets, but the Player of the Match went to Rachin Ravindra for his ton, 1 wicket, and 2 catches.
New Zealand will now clash with India in a repeat of the 2000 Knock-out Trophy final, and the summit clash will happen in Dubai on March 9.
The cricket fraternity lauded New Zealand for their performance and showed excitement for a mouth-watering clash against India in the final.
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