New Zealand has stormed into the Champions Trophy Final for the third time after an emphatic 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final in Lahore. The Kiwis will now face India in the grand finale on Sunday.
New Zealand Dominates in a High-Scoring Thriller
In an electrifying contest at Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand outplayed South Africa, setting a formidable target of 363 runs. Despite a resilient effort from Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma, South Africa could only muster 312/9 in their chase.
Key highlights of the match:
New Zealand posted the highest-ever total in Champions Trophy history – 362/6.
Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) starred with the bat.
Mitchell Santner led the Kiwi bowling attack with three wickets.
Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips chipped in with two wickets each.
Toss and Match Strategy
Winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner decided to bat first, citing favorable pitch conditions.
Santner’s statement before the match:
“The pitch looks good, and there shouldn’t be any dew. We aim to post a strong total. We understand these conditions well and have made no changes to our squad.”
On the other hand, South African skipper Temba Bavuma admitted he would have preferred to bat first but remained optimistic about his team’s chances.
Bavuma’s thoughts:
“We need to get off to a strong start. I am back in the team and feeling much better.”
New Zealand’s Batting Brilliance
New Zealand made the most of their decision to bat first, with Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson putting on a stellar display.
🏏 Rachin Ravindra: 108 (92 balls, 10 fours, 2 sixes)
🏏 Kane Williamson: 102 (95 balls, 8 fours, 1 six)
Their sensational partnership laid the foundation for a record-breaking total. South African bowlers, particularly Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, managed to take two wickets each but struggled to contain the Kiwi onslaught.
South Africa’s Struggles in the Chase
Chasing 363, South Africa got off to a shaky start. While van der Dussen and Bavuma showed resistance, the rest of the batting lineup faltered against New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
Mitchell Santner: 3/45 (10 overs)
Matt Henry: 2/52 (9 overs)
Glenn Phillips: 2/46 (8 overs)
Ultimately, South Africa fell short, finishing at 312/9.
What’s Next? The Final Against India
With this commanding win, New Zealand now prepares to face India in the Champions Trophy final. The Kiwis will be looking to claim their first-ever title, while India will aim to add another trophy to their collection.
🏆 Final Match Details:
📅 Date: Sunday
📍 Venue: TBD
🔹 Opponent: India
Can New Zealand make history? Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of the Champions Trophy!
Squads
New Zealand Playing XI
- Will Young
- Rachin Ravindra
- Kane Williamson
- Daryl Mitchell
- Tom Latham (wk)
- Glenn Phillips
- Michael Bracewell
- Mitchell Santner (c)
- Matt Henry
- Kyle Jamieson
- Will O’Rourke
South Africa Playing XI
- Ryan Rickelton
- Temba Bavuma
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
- David Miller
- Wiaan Mulder
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
