Champions Trophy 2025: New Zealand thrash South Africa to storm into final

Kiwis ride tons by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson as Proteas live up to 'chokers' tag

- AJEYO BASU

New Zealand overpowered South Africa by 50 runs to storm into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday. The Proteas lived up to their tag of 'chokers' as they were on the backfoot right from the start with the Kiwis outshining them in both batting and bowling at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

The New Zealand victory was built on a power-packed batting display. Rachin Ravindra smashed his fifth ODI hundred and second of this tourney, while Kane Williamson notched up his third century in a row against South Africa as the duo propelled New Zealand to a massive 362/6.

In reply, South Africa ran into trouble right from the start as their batters seemed to succumb to the pressure of the intimidating target. David Miller attempted to stage a fightback with an unbeaten 100 runs off 67 balls along with Rassie van der Dussen (69) and Temba Bavuma (56) but their teammates never seemed to be up for the challenge.

Earlier, Ravindra was all class in his knock of 108 off 101 balls, while adding 164 off 154 balls for the second wicket with Williamson, who made 102 off 94 deliveries.