New Zealand has secured a spot in their seventh ICC final and fourth in the ODI format after a historic victory over South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final. The Black Caps posted the highest-ever total in the tournament’s history and clinched a dominant 50-run win in Lahore. With this momentum, they are set to face India in the final on Sunday in Dubai, riding high on confidence after their commanding performance.
Ravindra and Williamson Lead the Charge
Rachin Ravindra showcased his exceptional form, smashing his fifth ODI century—all in ICC events—while captain Kane Williamson continued his dominance against South Africa with his third consecutive hundred. The duo put up a record 164-run partnership for the second wicket, laying a solid foundation for New Zealand’s innings.
Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips added fireworks in the death overs, scoring 49 runs each off 37 and 27 balls, respectively. Their contributions propelled New Zealand to a formidable 326/6. The bowlers then rose to the occasion, with captain Mitchell Santner leading from the front, taking 3/43, including the key wickets of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen.
South Africa Falters in the Chase
Despite David Miller’s fighting century, South Africa never quite threatened the target. By the 47th over, the Proteas’ hopes were all but dashed, with Miller stranded at the crease alongside No. 11 Lungi Ngidi. In a bittersweet moment, Miller reached a valiant 67-ball century off the final delivery of the match, but the result was long decided.
This defeat adds to South Africa’s painful semi-final history, marking their ninth loss in 11 appearances at ICC ODI events. Their only triumph remains the inaugural Champions Trophy win in 1998.
Fielding Woes Cost South Africa
While much of the focus was on South Africa’s batting struggles in high-pressure knockouts, their real downfall came in the field. Their bowlers failed to capitalize on early swing, bowled too many pace-on deliveries despite evidence favoring pace-off, and were sloppy with their catching. Ngidi was the standout performer, claiming two wickets with a disciplined display of slower balls, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj went wicketless.
New Zealand’s Tactical Masterclass
Santner’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved crucial. Anticipating the evening breeze would counteract the dew factor, he aimed to put scoreboard pressure on South Africa—and the strategy paid off.
New Zealand’s innings began with a few nervy moments when Will Young edged Ngidi over slip, but Ravindra soon took control. He dismantled Jansen’s short-ball strategy, dispatching him for boundaries through cover, midwicket, and extra cover. By the end of the first powerplay, New Zealand was steady at 56/1.
Williamson took his time to settle, scoring just 11 off his first 14 balls. He survived a testing maiden over from Kagiso Rabada before shifting gears alongside Ravindra, who reached his half-century off 47 balls. Their calculated approach kept South Africa guessing.
Ravindra eventually reached his century in style, taking just 93 balls. Williamson followed suit, reaching his hundred before falling to a ramp shot attempt. With a solid platform set at 252/3 after 40 overs, Mitchell and Phillips unleashed carnage in the final stretch, smashing 83 runs in the last six overs to push New Zealand beyond 360.
South Africa’s Chase: A Brief Hope Before Collapse
Ryan Rickelton provided an early spark, scoring 17 off 11, but Bavuma struggled at the other end, taking 24 balls to reach double figures. Though he and Van der Dussen built a promising 105-run partnership, Santner’s brilliance turned the tide.
Bavuma miscued a lofted shot off Santner, falling for 50, and Van der Dussen was clean-bowled soon after. Heinrich Klaasen’s dismissal to a diving catch at long-on sealed South Africa’s fate. Aiden Markram’s tame return catch to Ravindra left the Proteas needing 170 runs from the final 15 overs, with ESPNcricinfo’s win predictor giving them a mere 0.5% chance.
Miller fought till the end, reaching his seventh ODI century in what seemed like a tribute to his newborn son Benji. However, much like his century in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final, it felt hollow in the face of defeat.
New Zealand Eyes ICC Glory
With their last ICC ODI trophy coming in 2000, New Zealand now has the golden opportunity to end their title drought. Their clinical performance against South Africa has set the stage for an epic final against India in Dubai. Will the Black Caps lift the trophy, or will India stand in their way? The cricketing world waits in anticipation.