Cricket Highlights, March 05: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 (2nd Semi-Final) – NZ vs SA

NZ vs SA (2nd Semi-Final) – Highlights

The 2nd semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore turned into a high-scoring spectacle as NZ outclassed SA by 50 runs to book their place in the final. Rachin Ravindra was the standout performer, delivering a stunning all-round display that saw him score a magnificent century, take a crucial wicket, and hold onto two sharp catches. Kane Williamson also showcased his class with a superb century, while Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touch with a fiery knock in the death overs.

NZ, batting first, put on a commanding total of 362/6, thanks to significant contributions from their top order. Will Young and Ravindra started steadily, with Young falling for 21 after a cautious start. Ravindra, however, was in sublime touch, finding gaps effortlessly and playing elegant strokes all around the ground. He stitched together a 164-run partnership with Williamson, laying a solid foundation for the big total.

Williamson, who played second fiddle to Ravindra initially, soon took charge after his partner’s dismissal. His knock of 102 off 94 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression, featuring 10 fours and 2 sixes. Daryl Mitchell further accelerated the innings with a quick-fire 49 off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips’ late onslaught saw him smash 49 off just 27 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 181.48. New Zealand’s innings ended at a formidable 362/6, leaving South Africa with a daunting chase.

The Proteas’ bowling attack struggled to contain the Kiwi batters. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Kagiso Rabada managed two breakthroughs. However, the likes of Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj proved expensive, leaking runs at crucial moments.

Chasing 363, SA needed a strong start, but Matt Henry struck early to dismiss Ryan Rickelton for 17. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then steadied the innings with a 105-run stand, but their scoring rate was always behind the required pace. Bavuma’s well-compiled 56 ended when he edged Mitchell Santner to Williamson, while van der Dussen fell soon after for 69, castled by Santner’s clever variation.

Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen failed to make significant contributions, and South Africa soon found themselves in deep trouble at 167/4. With the required rate climbing, David Miller launched a stunning counterattack. His unbeaten 100 off just 67 balls was a lone warrior effort, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes. However, with wickets tumbling at the other end, Miller’s heroics weren’t enough to take his team over the line.

New Zealand’s bowlers shared the spoils effectively. Santner was the standout with three wickets, while Henry and Phillips chipped in with two each. Ravindra and Bracewell also made key breakthroughs at crucial junctures, ensuring the Kiwis never lost control of the game.

With this win, New Zealand stormed into the final, proving yet again why they are one of the most consistent teams in ICC tournaments. Their batting fired at the right time, while their bowlers executed their plans brilliantly. South Africa, despite Miller’s valiant effort, fell short, extending their heartbreak in ICC knockout matches.

New Zealand vs South Africa Scoreboard

New Zealand – 362/6 (50)

South Africa – 312/9 (50)

Result – New Zealand won by 50 runs

Player of the Match – Rachin Ravindra

NZ vs SA Playing Eleven

New Zealand

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

Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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