New Zealand emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against South Africa, winning by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy. This triumph at Gaddafi Stadium secured their place in the final, where they will face India on Sunday.
Winning the toss on Wednesday, New Zealand opted to bat first. Their decision paid off as they posted a record-breaking total of 362-6, the highest ever in the tournament. The Black Caps’ innings was built on magnificent centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Both batters played instrumental roles in pushing their team to a commanding total.
South Africa’s chase was powered by a breathtaking 100 not out from David Miller. The left-hander reached his century off the final ball, scoring at a blistering pace. Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma added crucial half-centuries, but South Africa ultimately fell short, finishing at 312-9.
Mitchell Santner led from the front as New Zealand’s captain, taking 3-43. He rotated seven bowlers to put pressure on South Africa’s batting lineup.
From the very start, New Zealand’s top order dominated. Ravindra smashed a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson crafted a classy 102 from 94 deliveries. The batting-friendly pitch allowed the Black Caps to take charge early. After winning the toss, they made full use of the conditions to set a massive target.
Daryl Mitchell played a quick-fire knock of 49 off 37 balls. Glenn Phillips added an explosive 49 not out off just 27 deliveries. New Zealand hammered 110 runs in the last 10 overs, with 66 coming in the final five.
South Africa’s bowlers struggled from the start. Ravindra and Will Young built a solid opening stand of 48 runs. This was followed by a remarkable 164-run partnership between Ravindra and Williamson, which put New Zealand in a dominant position.
Ravindra reached his fifth ODI century—all of them coming in ICC tournaments—off 93 balls, guiding a two off Kagiso Rabada. Williamson followed with his 15th ODI hundred, marking his third successive century against South Africa. He reached the milestone with a ramped boundary.
Rabada finally ended the partnership, dismissing Ravindra caught behind. The young batter had smashed 13 fours and one six in his outstanding knock. Williamson fell in the 40th over, caught by Lungi Ngidi off Wiaan Mulder after striking 10 fours and two sixes.
Mitchell and Phillips provided the final push, ensuring New Zealand crossed the 350-run mark despite South Africa’s efforts to slow the scoring rate in the final overs. Ngidi finished with figures of 3-72, while Rabada picked up 2-70.
South Africa had previously seen Australia chase down 356-5 in Lahore during the group stage, giving them hope of a successful run chase. Bavuma and van der Dussen kept those hopes alive with a crucial 100-run stand. However, the increasing required rate soon piled pressure on the Proteas.
The middle-order collapse was costly. South Africa lost six wickets for just 57 runs, sealing New Zealand’s victory. Miller’s stunning hundred showed the possibilities in modern-day cricket, but the damage had already been done. If the middle order had held firm, his late fireworks might have carried South Africa to the final.
New Zealand’s bowlers will now need to recover quickly. The final against India presents another massive challenge, with Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli waiting to test their skills.
