ICC Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand beat South Africa in semifinal

New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy to secure their place in Sunday’s final against India.

Electing to bat on Wednesday, New Zealand racked up a tournament record 362-6, riding scintillating hundreds by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson at the Gaddafi Stadium.

David Miller smashed an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, which was brought up off the final ball of the match, while Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma struck half-centuries but South Africa managed 312-9.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner used seven bowlers but led by example with a match-turning 3-43.

New Zealand hit top gear from the off

Ravindra cracked a 101-ball 108 while Williamson hit 102 off 94 balls on a batting-friendly pitch after New Zealand won the toss and batted first.

Daryl Mitchell clubbed 49 off 37 balls and Glenn Phillips smashed a 27-ball 49 not out as the Black Caps plundered 110 runs in the last 10 overs and 66 in the last five.

It was followed by a magnificent 164-run stand for the second wicket between Ravindra and Williamson that put the New Zealanders on track for a massive total, as the duo scored at will with some delightful strokes.

Ravindra completed his fifth ODI hundred – all coming in ICC events – from 93 balls with a two off Kagiso Rabada.

Williamson reached his 15th ODI hundred with a ramped boundary, his third three-figure score in as many matches against South Africa.

Williamson chipped Wiaan Mulder into the hands of Lungi Ngidi in the 40th over after hitting 10 fours and two sixes.

Mitchell and Phillips added some late impetus after South Africa had briefly dragged things back to give themselves hope of limiting the score to under 350.

Fast bowler Ngidi finished with 3-72, while Rabada ended with figures of 2-70.