New Zealand’s Brilliant Batting and South Africa’s Traditional Semi-Final Failure
By: Abdul Ghaffar Khan
In the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to secure a place in the final. The match highlighted the brilliance of the Kiwi batters and the weaknesses in South Africa’s bowling, resulting in yet another knockout-stage failure for the Proteas.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first, posting a massive total of 362 runs for the loss of six wickets in 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s centuries dismantled the South African bowling attack, leaving them helpless.
Rachin Ravindra played a stunning knock of 108 runs off 92 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Captain Kane Williamson scored a composed 102 runs, including nine fours and two sixes. Daryl Mitchell contributed 49, Will Young made 21, Michael Bracewell added 16, and Tom Latham managed just four runs.
Once again, South Africa’s bowling attack failed to deliver. Lungi Ngidi took three wickets, Kagiso Rabada grabbed two, and Wiaan Mulder claimed one.
In response, South Africa started well but lost their way in the final overs. The Proteas could only manage 312 runs for the loss of nine wickets in their 50 overs. David Miller fought hard with an unbeaten 89 off 74 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Rassie van der Dussen scored 69, captain Temba Bavuma made 56, and Aiden Markram contributed 31 runs, but none of them could take the innings to the finish line.
New Zealand’s bowlers maintained pressure and picked up wickets at regular intervals. Mitchell Santner claimed three wickets, Glenn Phillips took two, while Rachin Ravindra, Will O’Rourke, and Matt Henry took one wicket each.
South Africa’s failure in the knockout stages is nothing new. The biggest reason behind their loss was their inability to handle pressure in crucial matches. Their bowling attack lacked effectiveness, allowing New Zealand’s batters to dominate freely.
Another major issue was their lower-order collapse. Despite David Miller’s efforts, other batters failed to support him. The required resilience in the final overs was missing, leading to their downfall.
New Zealand’s victory was the result of brilliant planning. Their batters put South Africa under pressure from the start, and their bowlers executed their plans perfectly to maintain control throughout the match.
Now, New Zealand will face India in the final. India had earlier defeated Australia in the first semi-final. Both teams are in excellent form, with India boasting a strong batting lineup, while New Zealand’s bowling unit has been exceptional.
The final promises to be a thrilling contest. Will India continue their dominance, or will New Zealand pull off another upset to claim the Champions Trophy? Fans can expect an exciting battle as both teams aim to lift the prestigious title.