Explore the thrilling journey of the Black Caps as Rachin Ravindra scores 108 and Mitchell Santner delivers a stunning spell to reach the CT Final.
Introduction:
New Zealand delivered a masterclass in batting and disciplined bowling to defeat South Africa by 50 runs in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. Led by Rachin Ravindra’s sublime century and Mitchell Santner’s crucial spell, the Black Caps set up a mouthwatering final against India in Dubai.
Despite a David Miller century in a losing cause, South Africa fell short in their record chase of 362. The Proteas fought hard but couldn’t match New Zealand’s intensity, who now head into the final with momentum on their side.
Rachin Ravindra Sets the Tone with a Blazing Start
Rachin Ravindra looked in imperious form from the start, dispatching Marco Jansen for three elegant boundaries in the seventh over. His strokes were built on timing rather than brute force, showcasing his remarkable ability to read the pitch and place the ball precisely.
New Zealand’s decision to back Ravindra over Devon Conway was already paying dividends. The left-hander had scored a century against Bangladesh last week and continued his rich vein of form in ICC events. See also: Virat Kohli, KL Rahul Leads India to CT 2025 Final
At the other end, Will Young failed to read Lungi Ngidi’s slower ball, mistiming a shot that led to an easy catch at mid-off. However, Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s pillar of stability, walked in with the Black Caps firmly in control.
Williamson’s Steadying Presence
Kane Williamson has an exceptional record against South Africa, averaging 57.35, his highest against any team, barring Zimbabwe. He played out a maiden from Kagiso Rabada before unleashing a majestic shot through midwicket.
As Keshav Maharaj was introduced into the attack, Ravindra continued to dominate. The left-hander raced to a 47-ball half-century, manipulating the field brilliantly and adjusting to the pitch’s low bounce.
Ravindra and Williamson Make History
Rachin Ravindra became the first player in ODI history to score his first five centuries in ICC events. His 91-ball hundred solidified his reputation as New Zealand’s next big match-winner.
However, Kagiso Rabada finally got his man, as an off-cutter forced Ravindra to edge one behind to Heinrich Klaasen, bringing an end to a brilliant inning.
Kane Joins the Century Club
Williamson, known for pacing an innings to perfection, reached his half-century in 61 balls before accelerating to a 91-ball century. He reached three figures with a cheeky scoop shot off Wiaan Mulder, who returned to bowl despite an injury scare.
But his innings ended in the same over, mistiming a wide yorker straight to short fine leg. Surprisingly, New Zealand sent Tom Latham ahead of Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell for the final ten overs—a move that didn’t pay off.
New Zealand’s Late Surge Pushes Total to 362
Latham’s brief stay ended as Rabada bowled him for a duck while attempting an awkward ramp shot. But Daryl Mitchell stepped up, launching Ngidi for a six and riding his luck as Mulder dropped a tough catch in the deep.
Glenn Phillips then took charge, smashing four consecutive boundaries off Jansen, whose figures of 0 for 79 from ten overs summed up South Africa’s struggles.
By the time the dust settled, New Zealand had posted 362, the highest total in Champions Trophy history. It left South Africa needing to break multiple records to reach the final.
Matt Henry Strikes in the Powerplay
New Zealand’s bowling hit the right areas from the start, and Matt Henry provided the breakthrough, dismissing Ryan Rickelton for a soft catch at short cover.
South Africa’s skipper Temba Bavuma struggled early, creeping to 3 off 18 balls before finally finding a boundary off Kyle Jamieson. Bavuma’s poor ICC record—his first tournament fifty coming in his 19th match—meant early pressure on the Proteas.
Bavuma and Van der Dussen Fight Back
Bavuma accelerated with a sublime pull for six, bringing South Africa’s run rate up to a run a ball. Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen kept the scoreboard ticking, lofting Santner for six. Just as South Africa looked settled, Bavuma fell. Mitchell Santner deceived him, forcing him to loft a catch to Kane Williamson at mid-off.
Santner and Ravindra Seal New Zealand’s Spot in the Final
Santner struck again, dismissing Van der Dussen with a beautiful delivery that turned just enough to beat the bat. South Africa were suddenly four down, needing over nine runs per over. Klaasen, in sensational ODI form, attempted to take on Santner, but Matt Henry took a brilliant running catch at long-on, injuring his right shoulder in the process.
Ravindra Does It Again
Already the star with the bat, Rachin Ravindra made an impact with the ball, dismissing Aiden Markram with a well-disguised slower delivery. Wiaan Mulder then slogged one straight to deep square leg, finding none other than Ravindra—who seemed to be everywhere in the field.
With South Africa’s lower order needing nearly 12 runs per over, it was only a matter of time before New Zealand wrapped up the match.
David Miller’s Lone Battle and a Bitter End for South Africa
David Miller launched a brutal counterattack, smashing a final-ball six to bring up his century. However, the target was far out of reach, and South Africa’s hopes of making the final were dashed.
It was Miller’s second consecutive ODI semi-final hundred in a losing cause. With the next Champions Trophy scheduled for 2027 in South Africa, will Miller have one last shot at glory?
New Zealand vs. India: A Blockbuster Final Awaits
With this commanding victory, New Zealand set up a highly anticipated final against India in Dubai.
Can the Black Caps avenge their group-stage loss?
Will India secure back-to-back ICC trophies after winning the 2024 T20 World Cup?
Or will New Zealand finally break their ICC final jinx and lift the Champions Trophy?