David Miller’s record-breaking century (67 balls) against New Zealand rewrites history, but South Africa crashes out after yet another ICC knockout defeat.
David Miller’s Heroics Not Enough as South Africa Falls Short Again
Lahore, March 6 – David Miller scripted history but couldn’t rewrite South Africa’s fate as the Proteas suffered another knockout heartbreak, losing by 50 runs to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final.
Despite wickets tumbling around him, Miller stood tall, smashing an *unbeaten century (100 off 67 balls)**—the fastest in Champions Trophy history, eclipsing Virender Sehwag’s 23-year-old record (77 balls) from 2002.
Miller reached the milestone on the final ball of the innings, sprinting for a desperate double, ensuring his name entered the record books, but the Proteas exited the tournament empty-handed.
Miller’s Knockout Brilliance Continues
Miller has been a consistent force in ICC ODI knockouts, proving his ability to step up under pressure:
- Champions Trophy 2013 Semi-Final (vs England) – 56* (51) at The Oval
- World Cup 2015 Semi-Final (vs New Zealand) – 49 (18), nearly pulling off a miracle
- World Cup 2023 Semi-Final (vs Australia) – 101 (116) in a lone battle at Eden Gardens
- Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final (vs New Zealand) – 100* (67), fastest in tournament history
With two centuries and a fifty in his last four ICC ODI knockout matches, Miller continues to deliver on the grandest stage, but his team’s inability to cross the finish line remains an ongoing saga.
New Zealand’s Batting Dominance Sets Up Commanding Total
Winning the toss, New Zealand made full use of Lahore’s batting-friendly conditions, racking up a record 362/6, the highest total in Champions Trophy history.
- Kane Williamson (102 off 94) – A captain’s knock, guiding NZ to a strong total.
- Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) – The young sensation continued his love affair with ICC tournaments.
- Glenn Phillips (49) & Daryl Mitchell (49)* – Late fireworks pushed the Kiwis past 360.
In response, South Africa faltered under the pressure of a mammoth chase, losing wickets at crucial intervals, leaving Miller stranded despite his breathtaking ton.
South Africa’s Knockout Woes Continue
With this loss, South Africa’s ICC knockout stage nightmares persist. Their long history of heartbreaks includes:
- 2023 ODI World Cup Semi-Final – Lost to Australia
- 2024 T20 World Cup Final – Lost to India
- 2015 ODI World Cup Semi-Final – Lost to New Zealand
- 1999 ODI World Cup Semi-Final – Tied against Australia but eliminated
Despite Miller’s record-breaking brilliance, South Africa once again crumbled under pressure, reinforcing the ‘chokers’ tag that has haunted them for decades.
New Zealand Advances to the Final
With a dominant 50-run victory, New Zealand storms into the Champions Trophy final, awaiting either India or Australia.
Can the Blackcaps claim their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title, or will they face heartbreak in another final? The stage is set for an electrifying finish!
Tags: David Miller Century, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand vs South Africa, SA Knockout Defeats, Sehwag Record Broken, Cricket Records, Cricket News, NZ in ICC Finals