South Africa‘s wait for an ICC trophy continues as New Zealand stormed into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 with a commanding 50-run victory in the second semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium. Despite a stunning century from David Miller, the Proteas fell short in their chase of 363, as New Zealand’s clinical batting and disciplined bowling proved too strong.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson steer New Zealand to a massive total
Opting to bat first, the Black Caps posted a mammoth 362/6 in 50 overs, thanks to stunning centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra anchored the innings with a splendid 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson continued his classy touch with a 102 off 94 deliveries. The duo stitched together a match-defining partnership, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling attack. Contributions from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 off 27) added the finishing touches to an already imposing total.
South Africa’s bowlers found it tough to contain the flow of runs. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, bagging 3 wickets but conceding 72 runs. Kagiso Rabada (2/70) and Wiaan Mulder (1/48) chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, but Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj remained wicketless, allowing New Zealand to dominate.
David Miller’s heroics in vain as South Africa falls short
Chasing 363 for victory, South Africa started steadily but lost key wickets at regular intervals. Captain Temba Bavuma played a measured knock of 56 off 71 balls, while Rassie van der Dussen kept hopes alive with a well-crafted 69 off 66 deliveries. However, it was Miller who truly ignited the chase with a breathtaking century, smashing 100 off just 67 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. Despite his valiant effort, the rest of the batting lineup failed to provide the necessary support, and South Africa fell short at 312/9 in their 50 overs.
Mitchell Santner destroys Proteas’ batting order
The Kiwi bowlers ensured their team’s place in the final with disciplined bowling efforts. Mitchell Santner led the charge with a crucial spell of 3/43 in 10 overs, while Matt Henry (2/43) and Phillips (2/27) provided key breakthroughs at critical moments. Rachin also chipped in with a wicket, restricting South Africa’s middle order from capitalizing on Miller’s brilliance. New Zealand will now meet India in the final of the tournament on March 09.
Also WATCH: SA vs NZ – Mitchell Santner cleans up Rassie van der Dussen with a jaffa in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal
Here is how fans reacted:
So final is between INDIA vs NZ on 9th 🏏 #ChampionsTrophy2025
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) March 5, 2025
Champions Trophy Finals
1998 – 🇿🇦 v 🏝
2000 – 🇳🇿 v 🇮🇳
2002 – 🇮🇳 v 🇱🇰
2004 – 🏴 v 🏝
2006 – 🇦🇺 v 🏝
2009 – 🇦🇺 v 🇳🇿
2013 – 🏴 v 🇮🇳
2017 – 🇵🇰 v 🇮🇳
2025 – 🇮🇳 v 🇳🇿*#ChampionsTrophy2025— Broken Cricket (@BrokenCricket) March 5, 2025
Too Little, Too Late! 💔
David Miller’s blazing 100 off 67 goes in vain as New Zealand defeat South Africa by 50 runs to set up a final clash with India! 🏏🔥#Cricket #SAvNZ #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/vOn1zCmbBb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 5, 2025
South Africa missed a trick. Too many pacers, bowling slower balls, they should have played Shamsi, a wrist spinner. New Zealand shows what spinners can do on flat track. Santner’s leadership too exceptional. #SAvNZ
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 5, 2025
David Miller scores the FASTEST century in Champions Trophy history.
67 balls – David Miller🇿🇦 v NZ, Today
77 balls – Virender Sehwag🇮🇳 v ENG, 2002
77 balls – Josh Inglis🇦🇺 v ENG, 2025
80 balls – Shikhar Dhawan🇮🇳 v SA, 2013#SAvsNZ #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/6dOkvWZitR— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) March 5, 2025
Clinical New Zealand punch in their 🎟️ to the #ChampionsTrophy 2025 final 🤩🇳🇿#SAvNZ ✍️: https://t.co/hC03MeIiDY pic.twitter.com/WnclpKL0ZS
— ICC (@ICC) March 5, 2025
– Champions Trophy Final. 🏆
– India Vs New Zealand. 🇮🇳🇳🇿
– 9th March, 2.30pm. 🗓️
– Dubai Stadium. 🏟️IT’S THE ULTIMATE BATTLE – ROHIT SHARMA VS MITCHELL SANTNER. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/UEbw9d1tVd
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 5, 2025
Kuch purana hisab abhi baki hai… pic.twitter.com/RoMREb59TR
— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) March 5, 2025
2000 Knock-out final: New Zealand beat India.
25 years later, India is going to face New Zealand in the same tournament final 📢 pic.twitter.com/hMSLxBOGRm
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 5, 2025
Miller’s impressive performances in the Semi-Finals continues for South Africa 🔥💪🏏.
A fighting batting display today earned him his 50; well batted 👏🔥🇿🇦.#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #ChampionsTrophy #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/kBSob6k2jn
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) March 5, 2025
It’s always David Miller standing tall for South Africa in an ICC Semi Finals. pic.twitter.com/2T3hERynpU
— . (@ABDszn17) March 5, 2025
