Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand Crushes South Africa by 50 Runs to Reach Final Glory!
A Nail-Biting Semifinal Sparks a Dream Final
New Zealand has sealed their place in the Champions Trophy 2025 final, taking down South Africa by 50 runs in a cracking second semifinal at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. They’re now gearing up to face India on March 9 in what’s shaping up to be a mega clash. The Kiwis brought their A-game with the bat, thanks to stunning centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, piling up a hefty 362. South Africa tried their best, but they wrapped up at 312 for 9 after 50 overs. David Miller blasted an unbeaten ton, yet it couldn’t save the day. This blog’s here to unpack how New Zealand bossed the game, where South Africa slipped, and what’s coming next as the action moves to Dubai. It’s going to be a blockbuster final—let’s dig into this semifinal bit by bit!
New Zealand’s Batsmen Set the Stage Ablaze
New Zealand kicked things off with a bang, opting to bat first and posting a colossal 362. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson stole the show, smashing 108 and 102 respectively. Their 164-run partnership for the second wicket built a rock-solid base, making it the biggest score in Champions Trophy history. Toward the end, Glenn Phillips (49 not out) and Daryl Mitchell (49) went wild, hammering 57 runs in just 30 balls for the fifth wicket. The final 10 overs added a whopping 112 runs, leaving South Africa stunned. Lungi Ngidi snagged three wickets for 72, and Kagiso Rabada grabbed two for 70, but nothing could stop the Kiwi batting storm. This was pure fireworks—top-notch stuff all the way.
South Africa Stumbles Despite Miller’s Lone Fight
Chasing 363 was always going to be tough, and South Africa hit trouble early, losing Ryan Rickelton for 17 in the fifth over off Matt Henry’s bowling—he got caught at cover. Captain Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) kept things alive with a 105-run stand for the second wicket, giving fans some hope. But after they got out, the rest fell apart fast. David Miller stood tall, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes, but he had no backup. They ended at 312 for 9, 50 runs shy. Mitchell Santner led the attack with three wickets, and Matt Henry took two. South Africa choked again in a big knockout—tough luck for them.
Dubai Gears Up for an Epic Final Clash
New Zealand’s win means they’re off to the Champions Trophy 2025 final, closing out the Pakistan chapter at Gaddafi Stadium. They’ll lock horns with India on March 9 in Dubai for the trophy. South Africa’s loss is their second ICC knockout blow in a year, showing they still trip up when it matters most. New Zealand’s batting stars—Ravindra, Williamson, Phillips, and Mitchell—laid the foundation, and Santner’s bowling locked it in. A handful of fans caught this last Lahore match, but now everyone’s looking at Dubai for the grand finale. India vs. New Zealand is set to be a thriller—two powerhouse teams ready to slug it out. Will the Kiwis pull off a stunner, or will India grab the title? It’s almost time to find out!
