Mitchell Santner’s led New Zealand cricket team is once again set to face India in the Champions Trophy 2025 final after securing a remarkable 50-run victory over the Proteas in the second semi-final match.

The stunning centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, supported by the quickfire knocks of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips steered the Kiwis to post a 362 total batting first at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 05 (Wednesday).

Unfortunately, South Africa once again severely choked in ICC knockouts as the 363-run chase became extremely tough in a high-pressure match despite David Miller’s 7th ODI century along with the fifties from Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen.

Let’s take a glance at how New Zealand’s overwhelming victory over South Africa opened up the path to enter their third final of the Champions Trophy since the inaugural season in 1998. 

A Glimpse of New Zealand’s Dominating Innings with the Bat

Having won back-to-back games against Pakistan and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in the previous month’s ODI tri-series, Santner’s decision to bat first on a dry pitch assisted New Zealand register the highest first-innings total in Champions Trophy history:

● Ravindra and Williamson’s Blistering Tons:

Following Will Young’s early dismissal, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson paired up to maintain a 164-run partnership as both of them batted at a 100-plus strike rate.

Ravindra’s 108 runs out of 101 balls (including 13 fours and 1 six) and Kane’s 102 runs out of 94 balls (including 10 fours and 2 sixes) stitched the highest run stand for New Zealand in the Champions Trophy. The duo batters surpassed the previous record of a 163-run partnership between Nathan Astle and Scott Styris against the USA at the Oval in the 2004 edition.

● Mitchell and Phillips Explosive 49-Run Knocks: 

After the departure of Ravindra and Williamson, it was time for Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips to accelerate the team’s innings.

Daryl’s 49 runs out of 37 balls (including 4 fours and 1 six) and Glenn’s 49 runs out of 27 balls (including 6 fours and 1 six) bolstered the Black Caps total with a 57-run partnership.

However, these two middle-order batters played a selfless knock and fell one run short of recording a blazing half-century. Nevertheless, the Kiwis had a strong finish as 83 runs were scored from the last six overs.

Moreover, this was the second instance when New Zealand scored a 300-plus total against South Africa in ODIs at the same venue.

South Africa’s Collapse in a Crucial Run Chase of Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final

Even after boasting a strong batting line-up, South Africa succumbed to a high-pressure match by losing wickets in frequent intervals:

● Bavuma and Rassie’s Century Partnership:

Despite the dismissal of Ryan Rickelton (17 runs out of 12 balls – including 4 fours), the South African captain Temba Bavuma formed a 105-run partnership with Rassie van der Dussen.

Bavuma’s 71-ball-56-runs (including 4 fours and 1 six) and Van der Dussen’s 66-ball-69-runs (including 4 fours and 2 sixes) kept South Africa’s hopes alive to chase a massive target.

However, the New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner succeeded in breaking a crucial partnership, which could have been dangerous as the chase moved forward.

● Santner and his Bowlers Dismantle the Proteas Batting Line-up:

Mitchell Santner’s 3-fer in his 10-over spell included the crucial wickets of South Africa’s match winners namely Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen. These three batters could have played match-winning knocks if they ensured their longer stay at the crease to settle and play big shots.

In addition, Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips bagged 2 wickets individually, while Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra played supportive roles by taking a single wicket each.

● David Miller’s Fastest Century in Champions Trophy in a Losing Cause: 

South Africa’s middle-order batter David Miller remained unbeaten by scoring a 67-ball century, which included 10 fours and 4 sixes at a batting strike rate of 149.25.

Although Miller scored 48 runs in the last 18 balls, unfortunately, his fiery ton ended up in a losing cause due to the lack of contribution from other batters in a high-scoring run chase.

In the end, the Proteas missed out on the opportunity to reach the CT 2025 final as they fell 51 runs short of achieving the required target.

Overview of New Zealand vs South Africa Semi-Final 2 Champions Trophy 2025 Result

New Zealand to Face India in Champions Trophy Title Clash After 25 Years

Interestingly, New Zealand is set to lock horns against India in the Champions Trophy final after 25 years at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) in Dubai on March 09 (Sunday).

Previously, these two teams faced off each other in the 2000 edition’s title clash, where the Black Caps achieved a 4-wicket victory against the men-in-blue under Stephen Fleming’s captaincy.

Also, the team led by Daniel Vettori reached the 2009 Champions Trophy final and had higher chances to defeat Aussies and lift the trophy. However, Vettori’s hamstring strain forced him out of the crucial match and the Black Caps guided by stand-in skipper Brendon McCullum suffered a 6-wicket loss to Australia.

It remains to be seen if New Zealand could recreate the glorious moments of the CT 2000 finals or if Team India succeeds in seeking vengeance for their loss in the second edition of the tournament’s final match.

Ultimately, the stage is perfectly set for a high-octane contest as both the teams will be eying to claim their second championship title in the climax of the ninth season.