CT 2025 semi-final: Ravindra, Williamson’s centuries lift New Zealand to 362/6 vs South Africa
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson both scored centuries as New Zealand posted an imposing total of 362/6 against South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday, in their bid to secure a place in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final.
Only twice in one-day international history has a total this large been chased in the second innings, both times by South Africa.
Ravindra’s well-crafted 108 off 101 balls came to an end when he was caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Kagiso Rabada, while Williamson’s knock of 102 off 94 balls was ended when Lungi Ngidi caught him off Wiaan Mulder.
New Zealand had lost Will Young early, who was dismissed for 13, caught by Aiden Markram off Ngidi, leaving them at 48/1. However, Ravindra and Williamson formed a solid partnership, taking the team to 34 overs before the first wicket fell.
Tom Latham’s brief stay ended with just four runs before being bowled by Rabada. Daryl Mitchell was dismissed for 49 off 37 balls, falling agonisingly short of a half-century, while Michael Bracewell was dismissed for 16 off 12 deliveries.
Glenn Phillips, who was on 49 from 27 balls with six fours and a six, also missed out on the strike for the final ball of the innings, leaving him just shy of a half-century.
Mitchell Santner, the New Zealand captain, ensured the score continued to rise, scrambling two runs from the final ball of the innings.
With New Zealand’s score set, they await the winner of the South Africa-India match, with the final scheduled for Sunday. New Zealand’s victory in Group A ensured their place in the final, having defeated Pakistan and Bangladesh in convincing fashion. South Africa, topping Group B with two wins from three matches, will now aim to chase down the mammoth target to reach the final.
Playing XI:
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O’Rourke.
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
Pitch report:
Gaddafi Stadium has emerged as a batting-friendly venue in this tournament, producing high-scoring encounters. Australia chased down 351 against England in the opening match, while Afghanistan and England combined for over 600 runs in their clash. With the pitch favouring batsmen, another run-fest is expected in the semi-final.
Weather report:
Unlike the rain-affected match between Australia and Afghanistan, the weather in Lahore is set to be clear. According to AccuWeather, sunny skies and a temperature of around 20°C should ensure ideal playing conditions with no interruptions.
Head-to-head:
New Zealand and South Africa have faced off 73 times in ODIs. The Proteas hold the upper hand with 42 victories, while the Black Caps have won 26 matches. Five games ended without a result.
Though neither side is considered a dominant force in white-ball cricket, both have built a reputation for being formidable semi-final opponents. Well-balanced, determined, and highly skilled, New Zealand and South Africa have recent experience in World Cup finals. With a shot at another ICC event final on the line in the Champions Trophy, expect both teams to bring their best.
ICC Champions Trophy:
New Zealand and South Africa have met twice in the Champions Trophy, winning one match each.
Total matches: 2
New Zealand wins: 1
South Africa wins: 1
No result: 0
ICC World Cup:
New Zealand holds the edge in ODI World Cups, winning six of the nine encounters. South Africa has won three, including their most recent clash in the 2023 edition.