A stellar all-round performance by New Zealand secured them a convincing victory over South Africa, earning the Blackcaps a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final against India, set to take place in Dubai on March 9.
Chasing a challenging 363-run target, South Africa managed to score 312/9 in their allotted overs, with David Miller providing a late flurry of runs. Despite his heroic unbeaten century, the Proteas fell short of the target.
South Africa’s chase got off to a rocky start, with Ryan Rickelton dismissed for 17 by Matt Henry in the fifth over, leaving the team at 20/1. However, Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the ship with a crucial 105-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batsmen scored half-centuries before Bavuma was dismissed by New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner in the 23rd over. Bavuma made 57 runs from 71 balls, including four fours and a six.
Van der Dussen continued the fight, adding 69 runs off 66 balls with the help of four fours and two sixes before he too fell to Santner. Following their dismissals, South Africa’s chase faltered as they lost wickets quickly, slipping to 218/8.
David Miller, however, stood firm at the crease, battling through and finishing with an unbeaten 100 off just 67 deliveries, which included 10 fours and four sixes. His efforts, though commendable, were not enough to see his team home.
Mitchell Santner was the star bowler for New Zealand, taking three wickets for 43 runs in his 10 overs. Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry supported with two wickets each, while Michael Bracewell and Rachin Ravindra contributed with one wicket apiece.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand set a formidable target of 362/6, thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Santner’s decision to bat first proved to be a wise one, as the Blackcaps laid a strong foundation for their total.
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Openers Will Young and Ravindra provided a solid start, with the pair putting on 48 runs before Young was dismissed for 21. Ravindra and Williamson then combined for a dominant 164-run partnership for the second wicket, taking New Zealand to a commanding position. Ravindra top-scored with a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, featuring 13 fours and a six, before being dismissed in the 34th over.
Williamson, meanwhile, reached his 15th ODI century, scoring 102 off 94 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, before being dismissed shortly after reaching the landmark.
Following their dismissals, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips provided a late surge, both scoring quick-fire knocks. Mitchell made 49 off 37 balls, and Phillips added 49 off 27 balls, while Michael Bracewell chipped in with 16 off 12 balls.
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi was the standout bowler, taking three wickets for 72 runs in his 10 overs, while Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets.
With the win, New Zealand will face India in the ICC Champions Trophy final on March 9, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting contest between two cricketing powerhouses.
Playing XIs:
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (w), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke
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