In a thrilling second semifinal of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to secure a place in the final, where they will meet India. The victory was set up by remarkable centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, followed by a collective bowling performance from New Zealand’s spinners, which sealed their dominance despite a late surge from South Africa’s David Miller.
New Zealand’s Batting Prowess
New Zealand’s total of 362/6 in 50 overs was built on the solid foundation of centuries from Ravindra and Williamson. Ravindra, who has been a standout performer throughout the tournament, continued his brilliant form by scoring 108 runs. Williamson, playing with the experience of a seasoned campaigner, contributed an equally important 102 runs. Their partnership was pivotal in New Zealand posting such a huge total.
The innings began with Will Young and Ravindra in the middle. Although the South African bowlers kept the pressure on for a brief period, especially after the early dismissal of Young, the duo of Ravindra and Williamson steadily built momentum. Ravindra was in particularly aggressive form, regularly finding the boundary, while Williamson played the anchor role early on before accelerating as the innings progressed.
South Africa’s bowlers tried to keep things tight, with Lungi Ngidi being the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3 wickets for 72 runs. However, they struggled to contain the flow of runs, particularly when the two New Zealand stars started to launch into the spinners. Keshav Maharaj, who had been economical for a period, was taken apart by Ravindra and Williamson, both of whom hit him for sixes, which tilted the match heavily in New Zealand’s favor.
By the time Williamson reached his fifty, off just 61 balls, Ravindra was already eyeing a century. Ravindra’s 108 was his fifth century in ICC tournaments, a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion on the big stage. Williamson was eventually dismissed for 102, having played an array of trademark shots, including the scoop, which brought him success before it led to his downfall.
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As the pair departed, Daryl Mitchell took over the mantle of providing the late surge. Despite losing the wickets of both set batters, Mitchell, in combination with Glenn Phillips, added a quickfire 83 runs in the final six overs, ensuring New Zealand had enough runs on the board. Mitchell remained unbeaten on 39, while Phillips finished with 49* off 25 balls, pushing New Zealand’s total to 362.
South Africa’s Fightback Led by Miller
Chasing a daunting total of 363, South Africa got off to a shaky start. Opening the batting, Ryan Rickelton fell early to Matt Henry’s off-cutter, which was a sign of things to come. Despite this early setback, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma stabilised the innings. Bavuma, who had struggled early on, began to find his rhythm and played some beautiful drives through the on-side. Van der Dussen was equally solid, mixing boundaries with ones and twos. The pair brought up their half-centuries, but the pressure of the required run rate began to mount.
South Africa’s chances took a significant hit when Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s left-arm spinner, removed both Bavuma and van der Dussen in quick succession. Bavuma was trapped LBW, while van der Dussen was bowled through the gate by a well-flighted delivery from Santner, who was proving to be the game-changer in the middle overs.
At this point, South Africa needed something special to keep the chase alive, and it was David Miller who delivered just that. The South African finisher, known for his ability to turn games with quick-fire knocks, went on a rampage in the final stages of the game. Miller, who was batting on 47 off 43 balls at the 46-over mark, took on Kyle Jamieson and William O’Rourke for a flurry of boundaries, giving the South African fans hope of an unlikely win.
With 18 runs needed from the final over to bring up a remarkable century, Miller continued his assault and got to his century off just 67 balls, the fastest ever in Champions Trophy history. His remarkable knock of 100* from 67 balls reduced the margin of victory, but New Zealand had enough runs on the board to withstand the onslaught, eventually sealing the win by 50 runs.
A Collective Bowling Effort
New Zealand’s bowlers had to work hard, especially in the face of Miller’s blitz, but their efforts earlier in the match had set the stage for this. Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson started off well, putting early pressure on the South African top order. Jamieson’s maiden and Henry’s crucial wicket of Rickelton were vital early breakthroughs.
As the spinners came into play, Michael Bracewell and Mitchell Santner, in particular, were able to build pressure by keeping the run rate under control. Bracewell was tight in his line and length, conceding only 38 runs in his 10 overs while picking up an important wicket. Santner, as mentioned, took two key wickets and helped slow the game down, making it hard for the South Africans to launch a counterattack.
Phillips, Ravindra, and others chipped in with the ball as well, ensuring that South Africa’s hopes of a comeback faded with every wicket that fell.
Conclusion
In the end, New Zealand’s all-round performance was too much for South Africa to overcome. Despite a valiant effort from David Miller, New Zealand’s total of 362 proved to be just out of reach. The centuries from Ravindra and Williamson provided the platform, while the spinners and supporting bowlers ensured that the chase was always going to be tough for South Africa.
New Zealand’s clinical performance sets them up for a thrilling final against India, where they will look to add another prestigious title to their ICC trophy cabinet. South Africa, on the other hand, will rue their inability to capitalize on the opportunities they had during the match, but they can hold their heads high for their spirited fight.
Brief Scores:
- New Zealand: 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102, Glenn Phillips 49*; Lungi Ngidi 3/72)
- South Africa: 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69; Mitchell Santner 3/43)
- Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
