Ravindra top-scored with 108 runs from 101 balls, including 13 fours and one six, before being dismissed in the 34th over
05 March, 2025
PHOTO: AP
New Zealand sealed a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Anchored by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, followed by a combined bowling effort, New Zealand posted a strong performance to book their place in the final.
Chasing a challenging target of 363 runs, South Africa's batting line-up finished at 312/9, despite a late surge from David Miller.
South Africa's chase got off to a rough start as opening batter Ryan Rickelton was dismissed for 17 by Matt Henry in just the fifth over, with the score at 20/1.
However, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma steadied the ship with a vital 105-run partnership for the second wicket. Both players reached half-centuries, but Bavuma was dismissed for 56 (71 balls), with New Zealand's captain Mitchell Santner taking the wicket in the 23rd over.
Van der Dussen continued to fight, adding 36 runs with Aiden Markram before falling to Santner for 69 (66 balls), hitting four fours and two sixes.
Following his dismissal, South Africa’s middle and lower order struggled, and they found themselves at 218/8. David Miller, however, refused to give up and played a valiant knock, scoring an unbeaten 100 from 67 balls, including 10 fours and four sixes.
Despite his efforts, South Africa fell short of the target. Santner was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs in his 10 overs. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry claimed two wickets each, while Michael Bracewell and Ravindra took one wicket apiece.
Earlier, New Zealand, batting first, posted an impressive total of 362/6 in their 50 overs. Openers Will Young and Ravindra gave the team a solid start, sharing a brisk 48-run partnership before Young was dismissed for 21 in the eighth over.
Williamson then joined Ravindra, and together they dominated the South African bowlers with a 164-run stand off 154 balls. Ravindra top-scored with 108 runs from 101 balls, including 13 fours and one six, before being dismissed in the 34th over.
Williamson also played a key role, scoring 102 runs from 94 balls, and contributed significantly to the total. Williamson’s century was his 15th ODI ton.
Following Williamson's dismissal, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips added valuable runs with quick knocks, both finishing with 49 runs. Mitchell faced 37 balls, while Phillips played just 27 balls. Michael Bracewell also chipped in with a quick-fire 16 from 12 balls.
Lungi Ngidi was the best bowler for South Africa, taking 3 wickets for 72 runs in his 10 overs, while Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets.
With this win, New Zealand will now face India in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
