In a thrilling Champions Trophy semifinal match, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs, marking one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson were the stars of the game as their commanding centuries led the team to a resounding win. This exciting encounter in New Zealand vs South Africa set up a must-see final clash against India.
The match began with Mitchell Santner opting to bat first. New Zealand got off to a steady start with Rachin Ravindra and Will Young building a modest opening partnership. After Young was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over, Ravindra took charge. He played a brilliant innings, scoring 108 runs off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six, showing great control and determination. Soon after, Kane Williamson supported his partner with a composed knock of 102 runs off 94 balls, which included 10 fours and two sixes. Together, their partnership added 164 important runs and set a firm foundation as New Zealand crossed the 250-run mark by the 40th over.
As the innings progressed, contributions from Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell in the final 10 overs pushed the total to an astonishing 362 for 6 – the highest team score in Champions Trophy history. This massive total put immense pressure on South Africa, who needed 363 runs to win.
South Africa started their chase with some impressive individual performances. David Miller scored an explosive century, notching 100 not out off 67 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen (69) and skipper Temba Bavuma (56) provided valuable support. However, New Zealand’s bowling proved to be the turning point. Mitchell Santner led the attack by taking three wickets for 43 runs, and other spinners including Michael Bracewell, Glenn Phillips, and even Ravindra chipped in with crucial breakthroughs during the middle overs.
South Africa’s early loss of Ryan Rickelton for 17 set a difficult tone for their chase, as his departure robbed the team of a stabilizing presence at the top. Rickelton’s quick exit in the early overs disrupted what was expected to be a measured start, leaving the Proteas scrambling to rebuild their innings.
In response, Bavuma and van der Dussen put together a resolute 105-run partnership that briefly rekindled hope. Bavuma’s composed approach, coupled with van der Dussen’s innovative stroke play, allowed them to build a solid foundation and steer the chase back on track. Their partnership not only injected momentum but also provided crucial resistance against the disciplined New Zealand bowling attack.
However, the tide turned as Santner’s timely wickets began to tip the balance. With his aggressive bowling and precise control, Santner capitalized on the pressure, systematically breaking down the South African batting lineup. A pivotal moment came when Rachin Ravindra dismissed Aiden Markram with a crisp caught-and-bowled effort. Markram’s dismissal in the 33rd over proved to be a turning point, reducing South Africa to 189 for 5 and leaving the chase in a precarious state.
From that point onward, the fall of wickets accelerated. Despite a valiant effort from David Miller—who reached his century on the final ball of the chase—the Proteas could only muster 312 for 9. Miller’s century, arriving in dramatic fashion at the very end, served as a bittersweet reminder of individual brilliance amid mounting team struggles. The match ultimately underscored how swiftly momentum can shift in cricket, highlighting New Zealand’s effective bowling and fielding strategy in seizing control of the game.
This impressive New Zealand win, achieved through a blend of skilled batting and smart bowling, has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated final against India in Dubai. Rachin Ravindra’s performance, marked by his second Champions Trophy century and his fifth hundred in ICC tournaments, confirms his rising talent. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson, with his 15th ODI century and a string of successful innings against South Africa, has once again demonstrated his leadership and consistency on the big stage.
The match will be remembered as a classic encounter in the New Zealand vs South Africa series. The partnership between Ravindra and Williamson not only provided the necessary firepower to reach a record total but also showcased the perfect mix of youthful enthusiasm and veteran experience. As New Zealand prepares to face India in the final, the team’s performance in this semifinal offers a glimpse of greater things to come and has undoubtedly raised the fans’ expectations for an exciting conclusion to the Champions Trophy.
