Cricholic
📍 Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
📅 Date: March 5, 2025
New Zealand put up a commanding total of 362/6 in 50 overs against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final. After winning the toss, they chose to bat, aiming to build early momentum. Although they lost Will Young (21 off 23) in the eighth over, Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) and Kane Williamson (102 off 94) steadied the innings with a 204-run stand. As a result, New Zealand gained complete control heading into the final phase of their innings.
However, once both set batters departed, South Africa saw an opportunity to fight back. Yet, Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49 off 27, SR 181.48) counter-attacked, ensuring that the run rate remained high. Consequently, New Zealand added over 100 runs in the last 10 overs, pushing their total beyond 360. Although South Africa’s bowlers tried to contain the onslaught, they struggled under pressure. While Lungi Ngidi (3/72) and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) took key wickets, they conceded runs at a high economy rate.
Now, South Africa face a daunting target of 363. Therefore, their top order, including Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen, must build a solid foundation. Moreover, they will need to keep up with the required run rate from the very beginning. Otherwise, New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner, could capitalize on scoreboard pressure. Given what is at stake, this chase is set to be a thrilling battle between bat and ball.
New Zealand Innings 🏏
| Batter | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Will Young c Markram b Ngidi | 21 | 23 | 3 | 0 | 91.30 |
| Rachin Ravindra c Klaasen b Rabada | 108 | 101 | 13 | 1 | 106.93 |
| Kane Williamson c Ngidi b Mulder | 102 | 94 | 10 | 2 | 108.51 |
| Daryl Mitchell c Rabada b Ngidi | 49 | 37 | 4 | 1 | 132.43 |
| Tom Latham (wk) b Rabada | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 80.00 |
| Glenn Phillips not out | 49 | 27 | 6 | 1 | 181.48 |
| Michael Bracewell c Rickelton b Ngidi | 16 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 133.33 |
| Mitchell Santner (c) not out | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 200.00 |
| Extras | 11 (b 0, lb 5, w 6, nb 0) | ||||
| Total | 362/6 (50 Overs) |
Fall of Wickets:
1️⃣ 48-1 (Will Young, 7.5)
2️⃣ 212-2 (Rachin Ravindra, 33.3)
3️⃣ 251-3 (Kane Williamson, 39.5)
4️⃣ 257-4 (Tom Latham, 41.1)
5️⃣ 314-5 (Daryl Mitchell, 46.1)
6️⃣ 360-6 (Michael Bracewell, 49.5)
South Africa Bowling 🎯
| Bowler | O | M | R | W | NB | WD | ECO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | 10 | 0 | 79 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7.90 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 10 | 0 | 72 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7.20 |
| Kagiso Rabada | 10 | 1 | 70 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7.00 |
| Wiaan Mulder | 6 | 0 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 8.00 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 10 | 0 | 65 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6.50 |
| Aiden Markram | 4 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 5.80 |
🔹 Powerplays:
📌 0.1 – 10 Overs: 56 Runs
Match Context & What’s Next?
With 363 runs needed for victory, South Africa must produce a record-breaking chase to reach the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Since no team has ever successfully chased such a high total in a semi-final, history is against them. Therefore, their approach must be aggressive yet calculated. If they lose early wickets, New Zealand will have a clear advantage. On the other hand, if their top order fires, this game could go down to the wire. Regardless, cricket fans can expect an exciting second innings.
