Ravindra, Williamson tons set up final date with India

A clinical performance with both bat and ball saw New Zealand beat South Africa in the second semifinal in Lahore to reach the Champions Trophy 2025 final. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson saw New Zealand post an imposing 362 on the board. Their spinners then delivered in unison to seal the deal in New Zealand's favour.

South Africa were under the pump in the chase right from the outset. Matt Henry posed some questions and Kyle Jamieson began by bowling a maiden. Despite scoring only 36 from the first eight overs, South Africa redeemed themselves in that first PowerPlay with both Bavuma and van der Dussen collecting a few boundaries. However, the chase fizzled out when Santner removed both the batters in a matter of a few overs.

At that point, South Africa literally needed something special from Heinrich Klaasen to pull off a spectacular win. However, the New Zealand skipper stood tall for his side yet again and came out on top of a much anticipated one-on-one clash against the maverick South African keeper-batter. From thereon, it was one-way traffic as Bracewell then rounded off his spell with a wicket before the likes of Ravindra and Glenn Phillips joined the party as well by combining for three more dismissals.

David Miller stunned the opposition and the small crowd that was still present out there despite knowing the outcome. Batting on 47 off 43 by the end of the 46th over, Miller farmed the strike for the major part of the next 24 deliveries and took on Jamieson and O'Rourke for a flurry of boundaries. Needing 18 from the final six deliveries for a spectacular century, the South African finisher got the job done when he needed 2 from the final ball.

Ravindra looked in great touch right from the start and even though South Africa, for a brief period, pulled back the run rate after getting rid of Will Young, New Zealand regained control once Williamson got going. Williamson then took charge after Rabada's departure with Daryl Mitchell biding his time at the other end. The former skipper repeatedly brought out the scoop and fetched success as he took only 31 balls for his second fifty.

Brief scores:

• New Zealand: 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102, Glenn Phillips 49*)
• South Africa: 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69)