Match Details :
Match: New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Semi-Final
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs
Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra (NZ)
New Zealand One Step Away from Glory After Outclassing South Africa
What a game! New Zealand have once again proved why they are one of the most consistent teams in world cricket. They absolutely dominated South Africa in this high-pressure Champions Trophy semi-final, securing a comfortable 50-run win. Now, they are all set to face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai.
Batting first, the Black Caps posted a massive 362/6, thanks to brilliant centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. South Africa, despite a fighting hundred from David Miller, could only manage 312/9, falling short by 50 runs.
Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson Lead from the Front
New Zealand’s innings was all about patience, smart shot selection, and acceleration at the right time. Even after losing an early wicket, Ravindra and Williamson stitched together a superb partnership, taking the Proteas' bowlers to the cleaners.
Top Performers (NZ Batting):
✅ Rachin Ravindra – 108 (101) [13 fours, 1 sixes]
✅ Kane Williamson – 102 (94) [10 fours, 2 six]
✅ Daryl Mitchell – 49 (37)
✅ Glenn Phillips – 40 (27)*
South Africa’s bowlers had a forgettable day. Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi leaked runs, and even Kagiso Rabada couldn’t do much to stop the flow.
David Miller’s Lone Battle Not Enough
Chasing 363 in a knockout game was always going to be tough, but South Africa needed a strong start. However, they lost wickets at regular intervals, making things harder for themselves. David Miller played a brilliant knock, but he didn’t get enough support from the other end.
Top Performers (SA Batting):
✔ David Miller – 100 (67)* [10 fours, 4 sixes]
✔ Rassie van der Dussen – 69 (66)
✔ Temba Bavuma – 56 (71)
South Africa kept themselves in the game till the 40th over, but New Zealand’s bowlers held their nerves and kept striking at the right moments.
New Zealand’s Bowlers Step Up Under Pressure
When you’re defending a big total in a semi-final, you need bowlers to step up, and that’s exactly what Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry did.
Top Performers (NZ Bowling):
✅ Mitchell Santner – 3/43 (10 overs) (Brilliant middle-over spell)
✅ Matt Henry – 2/43 (7 overs)
✅ Glenn Phillips – 2/27 (3 overs)
Santner’s spell was a game-changer. His three quick wickets completely shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
⚡ Ravindra-Williamson’s 150+ partnership – The turning point of the game.
⚡ Santner’s magic with the ball – Broke South Africa’s back in the chase.
⚡ South Africa’s middle-order collapse – Left too much for Miller to do alone.
What Went Wrong for South Africa?
❌ Leaked too many runs – Poor bowling, especially in the middle and death overs.
❌ Batting lacked intent – Too slow in the first 30 overs, increasing the pressure later.
❌ No support for Miller – A one-man fight was never going to be enough.
The Stage is Set: India vs New Zealand in the Final!
New Zealand will now face India in the finals on March 9 in Dubai. Can they finally break their ICC final jinx, or will India once again prove their dominance?
What’s your prediction? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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