NZ vs SA: New Zealand Stuns South Africa, Sets Up IND vs NZ Final in ICC Champions Trophy 2025!
NZ vs SA Semifinal: In a thrilling showdown at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand delivered a commanding performance, crushing South Africa by a huge margin in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
With this decisive victory, the Kiwis have booked their spot in the grand finale, where they will take on India in a high-stakes battle for glory at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9.
The Kiwi batter set the big total and gave a lot of room to their bowlers. Kane and Rachin Ravindra starred at the top, and Glenn Phillips gave the finishing touches to get past 350. Mitchell Santner bowled exceptional spells and dismantled the middle order. David Miller gave his all in the chase, but it was New Zealand who defeated South Africa to seal the deal.
New Zealand vs South Africa Match Summary
New Zealand won the toss, and Santner had no doubt to bat first. The captain made the call, and the batters delivered at the top. After Will Young's wicket inside the powerplay, South Africa hustled for the next 15 overs to get the second wicket. The commanding partnership between Rachin and Kane Williamson set the stage for the middle order to put forth a big total against the Proteas.
Rachin and Kane both smacked thundering centuries, carrying a strike rate of over 100. After Rachin's dismissal, Daryl Mitchell came and gave pace to the momentum, smacking a valuable 49 off 37 balls. Mulder removed Williamson and Latham followed him soon.
At that time, it seemed like New Zealand would post around 300, but Phillips had other ideas. Phillips wreaked havoc in the last five overs that took New Zealand's score past 350. Glenn Phillips smashed 49 unbeaten in just 27 balls. Lungi Ngidi was the most successful bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets. South Africa had 363 to chase in 50 overs.
It was a batting track for sure, and South Africa lost their in-form opener Ryan Rickelton under 20 runs. Skipper Bavuma and Van Der Dussen stitched a 105-run partnership. Just when everyone expected that South Africa would press the accelerator, Santner got the better of Bavuma (56). Santner bowled out Van Der Dussen soon for a well-made 69.
South Africa lost quick wickets after that, and all of a sudden, New Zealand took control of the match. David Miller tried his best from one end, but wickets kept falling at the other end. David Miller smoked a fabulous last-ball century, but it went in vain as NEW ZEALAND defeated SOUTH AFRICA by 50 runs.
IND vs NZ Final on March 9
India defeated Australia in the first Semifinal at Dubai International Stadium by 4 wickets. Today, after defeating South Africa, New Zealand have reached the final. It is going to be INDIA VS NEW ZEALAND in the final of ICC CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025.
The match will be played at the Dubai International Stadium on March 9. The match is set to start at 2:30 IST.
