New Zealand set mammoth target in ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa

In a high-stakes encounter at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand has posted a formidable total of 362/6 in their 50 overs against South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Kiwis, led by some stellar batting performances, have set a challenging target for the Proteas, who will need to bat out of their skins to secure a spot in the final.
New Zealand’s Batting Masterclass
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first, a decision that paid off handsomely as their top order laid a solid foundation. The opening pair of Will Young and Rachin Ravindra started cautiously but soon found their rhythm. Young, however, fell early for 21 runs in the 8th over, caught by Aiden Markram off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling. This brought Kane Williamson to the crease, and what followed was a masterclass in batting.
Ravindra and Williamson’s Record Partnership
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson stitched together a mammoth 164-run partnership for the second wicket, which set the tone for New Zealand’s innings. Ravindra, the young left-hander, was in sublime touch, scoring his fifth ODI century. He reached his hundred in just 93 balls, hitting 12 fours and a six. Williamson, on the other hand, played the perfect anchor, scoring his 48th ODI fifty and eventually converting it into his 15th ODI century. The duo’s partnership was a treat to watch, as they effortlessly rotated the strike and punished the bad deliveries.
Key Moments
7.5 overs, Ball 47: Will Young departs for 21, caught by Aiden Markram off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling. New Zealand 48/1.
17.3 overs, Ball 105: New Zealand reaches 100 runs, with Ravindra and Williamson going strong.
30.3 overs, Ball 183: South Africa reviews a caught-behind decision against Ravindra, but the review is unsuccessful. Ravindra continues his onslaught.
32.0 overs, Ball 192: Ravindra brings up his fifth ODI hundred with a boundary. New Zealand 201/1.
39.3 overs, Ball 237: Williamson reaches his 15th ODI century, scoring 101 runs off 91 balls. New Zealand 250/2.
46.1 overs, Ball 277: Daryl Mitchell falls for 49, caught by Kagiso Rabada off Ngidi’s bowling. New Zealand 314/5.
49.5 overs, Ball 299: Michael Bracewell is dismissed for 16, caught by Ryan Rickelton off Ngidi. New Zealand 360/6.
Late Flourish by Phillips and Santner
After the dismissals of Ravindra and Williamson, Glenn Phillips provided the late fireworks with a quickfire 49 off just 27 balls, including six fours and a six. His aggressive batting in the death overs ensured that New Zealand crossed the 350-run mark. Mitchell Santner also chipped in with a couple of runs in the final over, taking New Zealand to a commanding total.
South Africa’s Bowling Efforts
South Africa’s bowlers had a tough day at the office. Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/72 in his 10 overs. Kagiso Rabada also picked up two wickets but was expensive, conceding 70 runs. Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj were economical but failed to pick up wickets, which allowed New Zealand to build partnerships.
What’s Next?
South Africa now faces a daunting task of chasing down 363 runs to book their place in the final. With a strong batting lineup, including the likes of Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller, the Proteas will back themselves to chase down the target. However, the pressure of a semi-final and a challenging pitch could play a role in the outcome.
As the second innings approaches, all eyes will be on how South Africa’s top order responds to the pressure. Will they crumble under the weight of the target, or will they rise to the occasion and script a memorable chase? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds in Lahore!