New Zealand Advances to Champions Trophy Final After Defeating South Africa

LAHORE, Pakistan — New Zealand secured a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy final by defeating South Africa at Lahore‘s Gaddafi Stadium on March 5. The Kiwis successfully defended a mammoth total of 362 runs, the highest-ever score recorded in Champions Trophy history.

Batting first after winning the toss, New Zealand set a daunting target thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and captain Kane Williamson. Ravindra contributed a brilliant 108 runs off 101 balls, while Williamson scored a crucial 102 off 94 deliveries, leading the team to a total of 362 for six wickets in their allotted 50 overs.

New Zealand’s innings was marked by a late surge, racking up over 100 runs in the final ten overs. “We wanted to put up a big total to put pressure on South Africa, and I’m glad we managed to do that,” said Ravindra after the match.

In response, South Africa started poorly, losing opener Ryan Rickelton early. However, captain Temba Bavuma and batter Rassie van der Dussen steadied the ship with a 105-run partnership. Bavuma scored 56 runs while van der Dussen added 69 from 66 balls, but their efforts weren’t enough, as South Africa fell short by 50 runs at 312 for nine.

New Zealand’s captain Mitchell Santner was pivotal with the ball, taking crucial wickets that shifted momentum in favor of his team. “Our bowlers executed the plans well, and it feels great to be back in the final position again,” Santner said. He dismissed both van der Dussen and Heinrich Klaasen, which initiated South Africa’s middle-order collapse.

Ultimately, David Miller‘s unbeaten 100 runs were overshadowed by New Zealand’s impressive total and clinical bowling performance. This marked Miller’s 1,000th ODI run in Asia, a milestone underscored during a challenging chase.

This victory marks New Zealand’s third entry into the Champions Trophy final, having previously won the tournament in 2000 and finishing as runners-up in 2009. They will face India in the final, who remain unbeaten in the tournament.

Looking ahead, New Zealand has showcased strong performance throughout the tournament, and their consistent ability to defend high scores will serve them well as they prepare for the championship match. “We’ll have to keep our momentum going as we gear up for India,” Williamson noted. “It’s an exciting opportunity for our team, and we are looking forward to the challenge ahead.”