New Zealand Crush South Africa in High-Scoring Thriller, Storm into Champions Trophy Final

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s masterclass sets up a colossal total as New Zealand outplay South Africa despite David Miller’s fighting century.

New Zealand’s Batting Brilliance Sets Up Mammoth Total

In a Champions Trophy semi-final for the ages, New Zealand dominated South Africa, securing a commanding 50-run victory to advance to the final. The Kiwis posted an imposing 362/6 in 50 overs, powered by magnificent centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) and Kane Williamson (102 off 94).

The Kiwi innings began with Will Young (21) providing a quick start, but it was the Ravindra-Williamson partnership that took center stage. The duo stitched together a century stand, ensuring that New Zealand maintained an aggressive run rate throughout. Ravindra’s innings was a blend of elegance and power, while Williamson played with his signature calm and precision.

Middle-order contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 off 27)* propelled New Zealand past the 350-run mark, making it their highest-ever Champions Trophy total. South Africa’s bowling attack struggled, with Kagiso Rabada (2/65) and Lungi Ngidi (3/72) managing breakthroughs but failing to contain the run flow.

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David Miller Fights Back, But South Africa Fall Short

Chasing a daunting 363, South Africa’s innings was a tale of early struggles and late heroics. Temba Bavuma (56 off 71) and Rassie van der Dussen (69 off 66) provided stability in the middle overs, but wickets fell at crucial junctures.

With the game slipping away at 201/6, David Miller single-handedly revived South Africa’s hopes. Miller’s sensational century (100 off 67)* kept the Proteas alive till the final overs. Displaying powerful stroke play, he struck 10 fours and 4 sixes, refusing to go down without a fight.

Despite Miller’s brilliance, South Africa finished at 312/9 in 50 overs, falling 50 runs short. New Zealand’s bowlers executed their plans well, with Mitchell Santner (3/40) and Matt Henry (2/48) leading the attack. Bracewell and Phillips also chipped in with crucial wickets, ensuring that the Kiwi bowlers never let the Proteas dominate.

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New Zealand March into the Final

With this comprehensive win, New Zealand storm into the Champions Trophy final, where they await either India or Australia. The Ravindra-Williamson show, backed by a disciplined bowling effort, proved too strong for South Africa.

Can New Zealand clinch their first-ever Champions Trophy title? With their current form, they are undoubtedly strong contenders for the crown.

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Tags: New Zealand vs South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Rachin Ravindra Century, Kane Williamson, David Miller Century, Cricket Semi-Final, NZ vs SA Highlights, ICC Final, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Cricket World