Match Overview NZ vs SA
NZ vs SA The second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 took place at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, on March 5, 2025. In a high-stakes clash, New Zealand outperformed South Africa, securing a commanding 50-run victory to book their place in the final against India in Dubai.
Stadium and Pitch Conditions
Gaddafi Stadium, known for its electrifying atmosphere and rich cricketing history, provided an ideal setting for this crucial encounter. The pitch offered good bounce and pace early on, favoring batters, while spinners gained assistance later in the game.
New Zealand’s Dominant Batting Display
Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 362-6. Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) and Kane Williamson (102 off 94) played pivotal roles, setting the foundation for a challenging target.
South Africa’s Fightback Falls Short
Chasing 363, South Africa fought valiantly but fell short at 312-9. David Miller’s unbeaten 100 off 67 balls and half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma were not enough to take them over the line.
Road to the Final
With this victory, New Zealand advances to face India in the final, setting up a thrilling showdown in Dubai.
New Zealand’s First Innings Performance NZ vs SA
After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bat first, aiming to set a competitive total. The decision paid off as openers Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson delivered sensational centuries, laying a strong foundation.
Batting Performance: NZ vs SA
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
| Rachin Ravindra | 108 | 101 | 12 | 2 | 106.9 |
| Kane Williamson | 102 | 94 | 9 | 1 | 108.5 |
| Daryl Mitchell | 45 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 150.0 |
| Glenn Phillips | 38 | 22 | 3 | 2 | 172.7 |
| Mark Chapman | 22* | 14 | 2 | 1 | 157.1 |
| Tom Latham (c & wk) | 18 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 150.0 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10* | 7 | 1 | 0 | 142.8 |
| Extras | 19 | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 362-6 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
New Zealand posted a tournament-high score of 362/6 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant knocks from Ravindra and Williamson, supported by late fireworks from the middle order.
Bowling Performance: NZ vs SA
South Africa struggled to contain the Black Caps’ aggressive batting, with Kagiso Rabada being the only bowler to take multiple wickets. The Proteas also suffered due to dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities.
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Kagiso Rabada | 10 | 74 | 3 | 7.4 |
| Anrich Nortje | 10 | 80 | 1 | 8.0 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10 | 62 | 1 | 6.2 |
| Marco Jansen | 8 | 67 | 0 | 8.4 |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | 7 | 55 | 1 | 7.9 |
| Aiden Markram | 5 | 24 | 0 | 4.8 |
Despite some good spells, the South African bowling attack was unable to control the scoring rate, allowing New Zealand to set a massive target.
South Africa’s 2nd Innings Performance NZ vs SA
Chasing a daunting target of 363, South Africa needed a solid start but struggled early with key wickets falling at crucial moments. Despite half-centuries from Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, they couldn’t sustain partnerships, and the increasing required run rate made things tougher.
David Miller played a sensational knock of 100 off 67 balls*, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive with aggressive stroke play, but he lacked support from the other end. Eventually, South Africa fell short, managing 312-9 in their 50 overs.
Batting Performance: NZ vs SA
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | 22 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 122.2 |
| Temba Bavuma (c) | 55 | 49 | 6 | 1 | 112.2 |
| Rassie van der Dussen | 63 | 58 | 7 | 1 | 108.6 |
| Heinrich Klaasen | 19 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 79.2 |
| Aiden Markram | 21 | 27 | 2 | 0 | 77.8 |
| David Miller | 100* | 67 | 9 | 4 | 149.3 |
| Marco Jansen | 8 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 80.0 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 6 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 50.0 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 7 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 77.8 |
| Anrich Nortje | 3 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 50.0 |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Total | 312-9 | 50 Overs | – | – | – |
Despite a valiant effort from Miller, South Africa couldn’t reach the target, falling short by 50 runs.
New Zealand’s bowling NZ vs SA
New Zealand’s bowling attack executed their plans brilliantly, taking early wickets and keeping the pressure on South Africa throughout the chase.
Mitchell Santner was the pick of the bowlers, delivering an exceptional spell of 3/43 in 10 overs, while Trent Boult and Tim Southee provided crucial early breakthroughs.
Bowling Performance: NZ vs SA
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Trent Boult | 10 | 62 | 2 | 6.2 |
| Tim Southee | 10 | 65 | 2 | 6.5 |
| Mitchell Santner | 10 | 43 | 3 | 4.3 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 9 | 64 | 1 | 7.1 |
| Rachin Ravindra | 6 | 38 | 1 | 6.3 |
| Glenn Phillips | 5 | 37 | 0 | 7.4 |
New Zealand maintained tight lines and variations, ensuring South Africa never got ahead in the chase. With this victory, New Zealand secured a place in the final against India in Dubai.
Post-Match Reflections NZ vs SA
After the match, both captains shared their thoughts on their team’s performances, acknowledging key moments that shaped the outcome.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner was full of praise for his team, particularly Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, whose centuries laid the foundation for their commanding total. He highlighted how their partnership provided stability, allowing the middle order to capitalize in the latter overs. Santner also commended his bowlers for executing their plans effectively, ensuring that South Africa never gained full control of the chase. He credited the likes of Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and himself for maintaining pressure throughout the innings.
On the other hand, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma acknowledged that his team fell short in building partnerships at crucial junctures. He admitted that while players like Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller fought hard, the lack of sustained partnerships made it difficult to keep up with the steep required run rate. Bavuma emphasized the need for his team to improve their approach to high-pressure chases in knockout matches. Despite the loss, he remained optimistic about learning from the experience and coming back stronger.
With this victory, New Zealand secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will face India in Dubai.
FAQs: ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – 2nd Semi-Final (NZ vs SA)
When and where was the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 played?
The second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa was played on March 5, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
Which team won the second semi-final?
New Zealand won the match by 50 runs, securing a spot in the final against India.
What was New Zealand’s total score in the first innings?
New Zealand posted a formidable total of 362/6 in their 50 overs, the highest score of the tournament.
Who were the top performers in New Zealand’s batting?
- Rachin Ravindra scored 108 runs off 101 balls.
- Kane Williamson contributed 102 runs off 94 balls.
- Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips played quickfire cameos in the final overs.
How did South Africa’s bowlers perform?
- Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 74 runs.
- Keshav Maharaj and Anrich Nortje took 1 wicket each but struggled to contain the scoring rate.
How did South Africa perform in their chase?
South Africa fought hard but fell short, scoring 312/9 in 50 overs. David Miller’s unbeaten 100 off 67 balls was the highlight of their innings.
Who were the key players in South Africa’s batting?
- David Miller played a brilliant knock of 100 off 67 balls*.
- Rassie van der Dussen (63) and Temba Bavuma (55) contributed with half-centuries but couldn’t maintain the momentum.
How did New Zealand’s bowlers perform?
- Mitchell Santner led the bowling attack with 3 wickets for 43 runs in 10 overs.
- Trent Boult and Tim Southee provided early breakthroughs, taking 2 wickets each.
- Rachin Ravindra and Lockie Ferguson chipped in with a wicket each.
What were the key moments of the match?
- Ravindra and Williamson’s 200+ run partnership set up a strong total for New Zealand.
- South Africa lost early wickets, increasing the pressure on their chase.
- David Miller’s explosive century kept South African hopes alive, but he lacked support from other batters.
- New Zealand’s disciplined bowling in the final overs sealed their victory.
What’s next for New Zealand after this win?
New Zealand advanced to the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will face India on March 9, 2025, in Dubai.
Looking Ahead: The Final Against India
With this emphatic victory, New Zealand has booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, where they will face a formidable Indian side on March 9, 2025, in Dubai. The highly anticipated clash promises to be a thrilling battle between two top teams, each aiming to lift the prestigious trophy.
India, known for their depth in both batting and bowling, has been in excellent form throughout the tournament. However, New Zealand’s well-balanced squad, strong team spirit, and winning momentum give them a solid chance to challenge the Indian powerhouse. With players like Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult in peak form, the Black Caps will look to seize the moment and etch their name in cricketing history.
Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting this epic showdown. Will New Zealand continue their dominant run, or will India rise to the occasion and claim the title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final is set to be an unforgettable spectacle.
Read more: IND vs AUS Semi Final Champions Trophy 2025 Highlights
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