LAHORE – David Miller’s ton in vain as New Zealand advanced to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a dominant 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Kiwis are set to face India in the final on March 9, as they produced a spectacular performance led by player of the match Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
This victory marks yet another impressive chapter in New Zealand’s tournament journey, following group-stage triumphs over Pakistan and Bangladesh. Black Caps now turn their focus to the showdown with India, where they’ll hope to continue their stellar form and claim the coveted ICC Champions Trophy title.
David Miller was the top scorer for the Proteas with 100 not out, followed by Rassie van der Dussen who made 69. Skipper Temba Bavuma contributed 56, Aiden Markram 31, Ryan Rickelton 17 and Kagiso Rabada 16. Mitchell Santner bagged three wickets and Matt Henry and Glenn Philips two each, while Rachin Ravindra and Michael Bracewell took one wicket each.
After opting to bat first, Rachin Ravindra (108) and Will Young (21) provided a solid start with 48 runs opening partnership. Ravindra stitched 164 runs together with Kane Williamson (102) for the second wicket to set a perfect stage for a strong finish.
Daryl Mitchell (49), Glenn Philips (49) and Michael Bracewell (16) ensured a strong finish to take the team score to 362/6 in the allocated 50 overs. Lungi Ngidi bagged three wicket and Kagiso Rabada two while Wiaan Mulder took one wicket.
New Zealand Playing XI: 1 Will Young, 2 Rachin Ravindra, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Daryl Mitchell, 5 Tom Latham (wk), 6 Glenn Phillips, 7 Michael Bracewell, 8 Mitchell Santner (capt), 9 Matt Henry, 10 Kyle Jamieson, 11 Will O’Rourke
South Africa Playing XI: 1 Temba Bavuma (capt), 2 Ryan Rickelton, 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6 David Miller, 7 Wiaan Mulder, 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi
