NZ vs SA Highlights: Rachin-Williamson’s Storm Faze South Africa Out Of Champions Trophy

New Zealand beat South Africa in semi-final of Champions Trophy 2025 [Source: AP Photos]

In a one-sided contest, New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs to storm into the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 season. Batting first, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored a hundred each to set a platform before Glenn Phillips finished off things in style to help the Kiwis set a 362-run total. 

In the chase, despite a good partnership from Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals. David Miller scored a century but his team lost the game by 50 runs to get knocked out of the Champions Trophy.

Here’s how the New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final panned out in Lahore:

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Rachin Ravindra-Kane Williamson steals the show 

New Zealand batted first in Lahore and made good use of the conditions. After a 48-run opening stand, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson stitched a magnificent 164-run partnership for the second wicket. 

Both scored a hundred each and crossed the 200-run mark in 32 overs. Rachin and Williamson together hit 23 boundaries and 3 sixes to set the stage for a fine finish for the Kiwis.

Glenn Phillips’ final punch puts South Africa under pressure

New Zealand were cruising over a 300+ run target comfortably. However, Glenn Phillips was hungry for more. After the set batters got dismissed by the 40th over, Phillips and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) teamed up to knit a 57-run partnership. 

Phillips went all guns blazing, scoring 49* runs off just 27 balls, including six boundaries and a maximum. He targeted Marco Jansen to slam four straight boundaries before taking on Rabada for 19 runs in the 48th over. With that blazing finish, New Zealand posted a gigantic total of 362/6 at the end of the first 50 overs.

Temba Bavuma, Van der Dussen puts 100-run partnership

South Africa kicked off the second innings on a high. Despite Ryan Rickelton’s early dismissal, Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen stitched a 105-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batters scored a half-century each and scored runs at a brisk pace. 

Courtesy of their solid partnership, the Proteas looked in control of the chase but Mitchell Santner brought out a dream spell to remove both set batters. He bowled a deceptive drift delivery with a subtle turn. 

The ball angled in, then straightened just enough to beat the bat, crashing into the middle stump of Dussen as he walked back on 69 off 66 balls. 

South Africa crash out, New Zealand storm into final

Skipper Santner tightened the leash with another crucial dismissal of Heinrich Klaasen. Rachin Ravindra also contributed with the wicket of Markram before Bracewell got rid of Wiaan Mulder. 

South Africa couldn’t hold partnerships and the required run rate just went soaring high, until it reached beyond their control. David Miller scored a valiant century on the final ball of the inning, finishing his 100* runs in just 67 balls. But that wasn’t enough as South Africa got 312 runs and New Zealand stormed into the Champions Trophy finals.

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