Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand clinch final spot with 50-run win over South Africa

New Zealand secured a place in the Champions Trophy final after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal on Wednesday.

According to details, the Black Caps, led by a stunning 362-6 total, posted a tournament-record score at Gaddafi Stadium, setting a daunting target for their opponents.

New Zealand, opting to bat first, was propelled by the brilliant centuries of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra’s 108 off 101 balls and Williamson’s 102 from 94 balls helped the side set an imposing total.

Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips added vital contributions in the final overs, pushing the total further with quick runs. Mitchell struck 49 off 37 balls, while Phillips scored a quick-fire 49 not out off just 27 balls.

South Africa’s bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, struggled to contain New Zealand’s top order. Ravindra and Williamson shared a remarkable 164-run partnership, with the former bringing up his fifth ODI century off 93 balls.

Williamson reached his 15th ODI century, marking his third consecutive hundred against South Africa. Despite Rabada dismissing Ravindra for 108 and Wiaan Mulder removing Williamson for 102, New Zealand finished strong with a flurry of runs in the final overs.

Mitchell Santner’s men had posted 362-6, surpassing Australia’s previous highest Champions Trophy total of 356-5. South Africa faced an uphill battle in their chase, and although David Miller fought valiantly with a 100 not out from 67 balls, his efforts were not enough to overcome the required run rate. A crucial 100-run partnership between Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma had offered brief hope, but the middle-order collapse saw six wickets fall for just 57 runs, effectively ending South Africa’s challenge.

South Africa’s bowlers, despite struggling, saw Ngidi claim 3-72 and Rabada finish with 2-70. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Santner, who took 3-43, used seven bowlers in a successful bid to restrict the chase.

Santner’s leadership and the collective effort from his bowlers were instrumental in the win, though he will know that a tough challenge awaits in the final, with India’s potent batting lineup featuring the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli.