Another Knockout, Another Heartbreak – South Africa Falter as New Zealand March into Champions Trophy Final

David Miller’s heroic century in vain as South Africa crumbles under pressure, suffering yet another knockout-stage heartbreak against New Zealand.

New Zealand Breaks South African Hearts Yet Again

Lahore, March 5 – Another ICC knockout, another painful exit for South Africa. Despite a valiant century from *David Miller (100 off 67 balls)**, the Proteas fell short by 50 runs against a dominant New Zealand side, who secured their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final.

With this loss, South Africa adds another chapter to their long history of knockout-stage heartbreaks, following their ICC ODI World Cup 2023 semi-final loss and the T20 World Cup 2024 final defeat.

Miller, once again, fought like a lone warrior, smashing 10 boundaries and four sixes in a sensational century. But, just like in past tournaments, his heroics came too late to rescue his team.

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Chasing 363, South Africa Collapse Under Pressure

Set a daunting 363-run target, South Africa started well with Temba Bavuma (56 off 71) and Rassie van der Dussen (69 off 66) stitching together a 105-run stand after an early loss. The duo’s steady approach kept South Africa in the game until Mitchell Santner (3/43) changed the course of the match.

• Bavuma’s dismissal at a crucial juncture triggered a collapse.
• Santner struck again, removing van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen (3), sinking SA to 161/3 in 26.5 overs.
• Aiden Markram (31 off 29) and Wiaan Mulder (8) followed soon after, leaving the Proteas reeling at 200/6 in 36 overs.
• Marco Jansen (3) and Keshav Maharaj (1) fell cheaply, further deepening the crisis.

At 218/8 in 39.3 overs, South Africa’s chase was all but over. Miller and Kagiso Rabada (16 off 22) tried to salvage some pride, but the mountain was too steep to climb.

Miller completed his century on the final ball, but South Africa finished at 312/9 in 50 overs, falling short by 50 runs.

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New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass Sets the Tone

Earlier, after winning the toss, New Zealand’s batting lineup delivered a dominant performance, led by:

• Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) – A stylish century, setting the tone.
• Kane Williamson (102 off 94) – A captain’s knock, anchoring the innings.
• Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) & Glenn Phillips (49 off 27)* – Late fireworks pushing NZ to a formidable 362/6 in 50 overs.

Despite Lungi Ngidi (3/72) and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) trying to contain the Kiwi charge, New Zealand’s total proved too much for South Africa to chase down.

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New Zealand March into the Final – Can They Go All the Way?

With this commanding victory, New Zealand have sealed their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final, where they await either India or Australia.

For South Africa, this loss is another painful reminder of their knockout-stage woes, but for New Zealand, it’s another step closer to their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

Can the Kiwis end their ICC trophy drought, or will another team spoil their party? The final awaits!

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Tags: New Zealand vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, David Miller Century, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, South Africa Knockout Loss, NZ vs SA Highlights, Cricket Semifinal, Mitchell Santner, Glenn Phillips, Cricket News