New Zealand have booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final after a commanding victory over South Africa in the semi-final.
The Black Caps delivered a dominant all-round performance, bouncing back strongly from their group-stage loss against India to defeat the Proteas by 50 runs.
Led by captain Mitchell Santner, New Zealand put in a clinical display with both bat and ball. Batting first, New Zealand set an imposing total of 362/6, thanks to superb centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra played a stellar knock of 108 off 101 deliveries before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada, while Williamson contributed a well-crafted 102 from 94 balls before falling to Wiaan Mulder. Their crucial partnership laid the foundation for a formidable total.
Will Young was the first to depart for New Zealand, caught by Aiden Markram off Lungi Ngidi for 17, but Ravindra and Williamson’s partnership steadied the innings. Daryl Mitchell added a valuable 49 off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips provided fireworks towards the end with an unbeaten 49 off just 27 deliveries. Michael Bracewell chipped in with 16 runs before being dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings, while captain Santner finished with an unbeaten two runs off the last delivery.
South Africa’s chase started with promise as Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma put together a solid century stand for the second wicket. However, New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Santner, struck at crucial moments. Santner removed both Bavuma and van der Dussen before dismissing Heinrich Klaasen, shifting momentum firmly in New Zealand’s favor.
Despite a valiant effort from David Miller, who top-scored with a magnificent 100, South Africa fell short, managing only 312/9. Matt Henry provided the early breakthrough by dismissing Ryan Rickelton for 17, while Rachin Ravindra, Bracewell, and Phillips took key wickets to stifle the Proteas’ chase. Glenn Phillips wrapped up the tail, ensuring New Zealand’s place in the final.
New Zealand will now face India in the final on Sunday in Dubai, aiming to clinch the prestigious title. With confidence high and form peaking at the right moment, New Zealand will look to make history by lifting the ICC Champions Trophy for the first time.