New Zealand claimed a big win against South Africa in the second Semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to reach their third Champions Trophy Final. 

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore hosted the second Semi-final match on Wednesday (March 5), where New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner chose to bat first after winning the toss. While New Zealand scored 362/6 in 50 overs, the record total in the tournament history, South Africa replied with 312/9 in 50 overs. 

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored 100s; Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips produced valuable 49s

While the Kiwi opener Will Young scored 21 runs, and he had a 48-run opening partnership with Rachin Ravindra, Ravindra and Kane Williamson set the big total tone with a 164-run partnership for the second wicket. While Ravindra recorded his fifth ODI century in 93 balls, Williamson recorded his 15th ODI century in 91 balls. Ravindra fell after scoring 108 off 101 balls with 13 fours and one six, while Williamson scored 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.

In the late moment, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips fired the Proteas bowlers to add significant quick runs. Mitchell and Phillips had a 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket in just five overs. While Mitchell scored 49 off 37 balls (four fours and one six), Phillips ended the innings with 49 not out in 27 balls (six fours and one six). 

Among the South African bowlers, Lungi Ngidi (3/72) took three wickets and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) picked up two wickets. However, in the last powerplay, the Proteas bowlers conceded 110 runs.

David Miller's tournament's fastest century record was too late for South Africa

In reply, after the opener Ryan Rickelton (17) lost his wicket early, his opening partner and the captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen set a solid partnership of 105-run for the second wicket. However, their partnership took enough balls as the next dangerous batters couldn't handle the required run rate pressures. Also, Blackcaps spinners simply bowled well to take regular wickets which put the Proteas away from the game.

While Bavuma was dismissed for 56 off 71 balls (four fours and one six), Van de Dussen scored 69 off 66 balls (four fours and two sixes). The next two key batters, Aiden Markram (31) and Heinrich Klaasen (3) failed in the chasing, while David Miller's single-handed battle till the end wasn't enough for the Proteas.

At the end of the 40 overs, South Africa were struggling at 223/8. While there was no hope for the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy champions, Miller still tried his best to take the game as close as possible. After scoring his first 50 runs in 46 balls, the 35-year-old left-handed middle-order batter completed his century in 67 balls, which set a new record for the fastest century in the tournament history. Miller remained not out for 100 off 67 balls (10 fours and four sixes).

New Zealand cricketer Rachin Ravindra won the Player of the Match award for taking one wicket (1/20) and two more catches along with the most valuable century. Captain Mitchell Santner (3/43), Matt Henry (2/43), Glenn Phillips (2/27) and Michael Bracewell (1/53) managed to take important wickets in the match.   

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