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SA vs NZ Live Score, Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

Richa Pandey
05 Mar, 2025

In a thrilling semifinal clash of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand showcased a formidable batting performance against South Africa. The Black Caps amassed a commanding total of 356 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 50 overs, setting a challenging target for the Proteas.

New Zealand's Innings: A Masterclass in Batting

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand's openers, Will Young and Rachin Ravindra, provided a solid foundation. The duo exhibited patience and aggression in equal measure, navigating the initial overs cautiously before accelerating the run rate. Young contributed a steady 21 runs before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi, caught behind by wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen.

Ravindra, however, was the star of the show. Demonstrating exceptional skill and temperament, he reached his century off 93 balls, a milestone that included 12 fours and one six. His innings was a blend of elegant strokes and calculated aggression, anchoring New Zealand's innings. His partnership with Kane Williamson was pivotal, as they added significant runs to the scoreboard.

Williamson, the experienced campaigner, played a captain's knock. He reached his half-century off 61 balls and continued to build on this foundation, nearing a century with a composed and strategic approach. His ability to rotate the strike and find gaps kept the South African bowlers under constant pressure.

Daryl Mitchell provided a late surge, contributing valuable runs in the death overs. His quickfire innings ensured that New Zealand surpassed the 350-run mark, a total that would challenge any opposition. The collective effort of the batting lineup showcased New Zealand's depth and resilience.

South Africa's Bowling Struggles

The South African bowlers faced a daunting task against the in-form New Zealand batsmen. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, typically reliable, struggled to contain the flow of runs. Rabada managed to dismiss Ravindra, but not before the damage was done. Maharaj faced heavy hitting, particularly from Williamson and Mitchell, as they targeted the spinners to accelerate the scoring.

Lungi Ngidi provided a breakthrough by dismissing Young, but the lack of consistent pressure from the other end allowed New Zealand to build partnerships. The Proteas' bowlers were unable to capitalize on the initial wicket, leading to a challenging total to chase.

South Africa's Chase: A Herculean Task

Chasing 357 for victory, South Africa needed a strong start. However, the New Zealand bowlers, led by Matt Henry and Will O'Rourke, maintained disciplined lines and lengths. The early dismissal of key batsmen put South Africa on the back foot, and despite valiant efforts from the middle order, the required run rate kept climbing.

Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller attempted to resurrect the innings with aggressive stroke play, but the mounting pressure led to wickets at crucial junctures. New Zealand's fielding was exceptional, with Glenn Phillips taking a stunning diving catch to dismiss Rassie van der Dussen, further denting South Africa's hopes.

Key Moments and Performances

Rachin Ravindra's Century: His 108 off 101 balls set the tone for New Zealand's innings and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Kane Williamson's Anchoring Role: His near-century provided stability and momentum, crucial in building a formidable total.
Glenn Phillips' Fielding Brilliance: His catch to dismiss van der Dussen was a turning point in the match, showcasing New Zealand's athleticism in the field.
Matt Henry's Bowling: His disciplined spell upfront put South Africa under immediate pressure, leading to early breakthroughs.

Post-Match Reactions

Kane Williamson expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the importance of partnerships and execution of plans. He praised Ravindra's innings as a match-defining effort and credited the bowlers for maintaining pressure throughout South Africa's chase.

South African captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged the challenge posed by New Zealand's total and lamented the inability to build substantial partnerships. He emphasized the need to learn from this experience and improve in future tournaments.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, New Zealand advances to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal between India and Australia. The team's all-round performance in this match boosts their confidence as they aim to clinch the coveted trophy.

South Africa, despite the loss, showcased moments of brilliance throughout the tournament. They will look to build on these positives and address the areas of concern as they prepare for upcoming series and tournaments.

Conclusion

The semifinal between New Zealand and South Africa was a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of cricket. New Zealand's comprehensive performance with both bat and ball ensured their place in the final, while South Africa will reflect on missed opportunities. Fans around the world eagerly await the final showdown, anticipating another thrilling contest in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.