New Zealand booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in Lahore. A superb all-round display from Rachin Ravindra and a clinical bowling effort ensured the Black Caps advanced to their second-ever Champions Trophy final, where they will face India.
New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand got off to a steady start with Will Young (21) and Rachin Ravindra setting the tone. While Young fell early to Lungi Ngidi, Ravindra took control alongside captain Kane Williamson, stitching together a brilliant 164-run partnership.
Ravindra, continuing his sensational form, smashed 108 off 101 balls, finding the boundary 13 times and clearing it once. Williamson, calm as ever, anchored the innings with a classy 102 off 94 deliveries. Their partnership ensured blackcaps built a strong foundation to accelerate in the final overs.
Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27) provided the late push, with Phillips, in particular, taking on the Proteas bowlers with aggressive stroke play. The Kiwis finished on a formidable 362/6, putting immense pressure on South Africa’s batting unit.
South Africa’s Chase: A Struggle Against the Clock
Chasing a stiff target of 363, Bavuma and co needed a strong start but lost opener Ryan Rickelton early. Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) steadied the innings, adding 105 runs for the second wicket. Their partnership gave South Africa hope, but as the required run rate climbed, the middle order faltered.
Aiden Markram (31) fell to a sharp caught-and-bowled effort from Ravindra, and Heinrich Klaasen followed soon after, dismissed for just 3 runs. The turning point came when Mitchell Santner (3/43) dismissed van der Dussen and Klaasen in quick succession, putting Proteas in deep trouble at 167/4.
David Miller was the lone warrior for the Proteas, blasting an unbeaten 100 off just 67 deliveries. He fought till the very end, hammering 10 fours and 4 sixes, but lacked support from the lower order. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, and Kagiso Rabada perished while trying to accelerate, and despite Miller’s late heroics, Bavuma and men could only reach 312/9 at the end of 50 overs.
New Zealand’s Bowling Discipline Seals the Win
The Kiwi bowlers stuck to their plans, with Santner leading the charge with a crucial three-wicket haul. Matt Henry (2/43) and Glenn Phillips (2/27) played important supporting roles, while Ravindra contributed with both bat and ball, picking up a wicket and holding two key catches.
New Zealand’s disciplined effort ensured they maintained control throughout, never allowing South Africa’s batters to dictate terms. Despite a late onslaught from Miller, the Proteas fell well short of the target, confirming New Zealand’s place in the final.
India vs New Zealand: A Final to Remember
With this victory, Santner and men set up a blockbuster final against India, who defeated Australia in the other semi-final. The two teams have been among the most consistent sides in the tournament, making the title clash a highly anticipated encounter.
Can the blackcaps clinch their first Champions Trophy title, or will India continue their dominance? Cricket fans around the world eagerly await what promises to be an epic showdown!
