South Africa National Cricket Team Vs New Zealand National Cricket Team Match Scorecard

Believe it or not, but there is always something electrifying about a knockout cricket; the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was the perfect example of it. It actually had everything, from brilliant centuries to stunning partnerships, power-hitting, and pressure spells, a match cricket fans will be talking about for years to come.

On March 5, 2025, the legendary Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed the epic battle between South Africa and New Zealand. And with a final spot at stake, New Zealand turned up the heat with a record-breaking total. However, South Africa refused to back down and put up a brave fight in the chase.

In the end, it was the Black Caps who emerged victorious, achieving a 50-run win and securing their place in the final for the first time since 2009. Now let’s dive into the full match recap, to break down the key moments, along with the top performers that make this match an unforgettable one.

The Toss: Setting the Tone

Winning the toss for a semi-final always holds quite an importance; it’s the decision that sets the tone. The pressure was on from the very first moment. That’s why Kane Williamson had no hesitation in choosing to bat first after winning the toss.

The pitch looked like a run-feast waiting to happen, and with clear Lahore skies, it was a great decision that gave New Zealand the early advantage.

Team Lineups

New Zealand Playing XI:

1. Devon Conway (wk)
2. Will Young
3. Rachin Ravindra
4. Kane Williamson (c)
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Glenn Phillips
7. Michael Bracewell
8. Mitchell Santner
9. Tim Southee
10. Lockie Ferguson
11. Trent Boult

Bench/Substitutes:

• Tom Latham
• Mark Chapman
• Ish Sodhi
• Matt Henry

South Africa Playing XI:

1. Quinton de Kock (wk)
2. Temba Bavuma (c)
3. Rassie van der Dussen
4. Heinrich Klaasen
5. David Miller
6. Marco Jansen
7. Keshav Maharaj
8. Kagiso Rabada
9. Lungi Ngidi
10. Tabraiz Shamsi
11. Gerald Coetzee

Bench/Substitutes:

• Reeza Hendricks
• Andile Phehlukwayo
• Aiden Markram
• Wayne Parnell

First Innings: Rachin Ravindra & Kane Williamson Lead the Charge

As per their confidence, New Zealand’s top order came out with intent. Will Young (23) started off quite solid, before Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson took over. Their second-wicket partnership of 164 runs completely tilted the match in The Back Cap’s favor.

Ravindra’s innings was a perfect blend of aggression and elegance. His 108 off 101 balls included crisp drives and audacious pulls. Williamson, calm and calculated as always, scored 102 off 94, securing the innings superbly.

In the death overs, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips cut loose. Their combined 98 runs (Mitchell 49*, Phillips 49*) off just 70 balls gave New Zealand a finishing kick, pushing their total to a monstrous 362/6.

New Zealand Innings Scorecard

Total: 362/6 (50 overs)

Top South African Bowlers

Second Innings: South Africa’s Brave but Short Chase

If the chasing score is 363 runs, and it’s a tournament semi-final, well, it’s never an easy task. However, South Africa’s response had its moments of brilliance. Temba Bavuma started strong with a composed 56, while Rassie van der Dussen added a much-needed 69.

But the star of the innings was undoubtedly David Miller, who played a lone warrior’s knock. He smashed an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive well into the closing overs.

Unfortunately, the rest of the batting line-up failed to stick around. With regular wickets and tight bowling from the Black Caps, the Proteas were restricted to 312/9, falling 50 runs short of the target.

South Africa Innings Scorecard

Total: 312/9 (50 overs)

Top Bowlers (New Zealand)

Player of the Match: Rachin Ravindra

Rachin Ravindra was deservedly awarded Player of the Match, with his sensational 108-run knock and tight bowling that picked up a crucial wicket. It was a complete performance that helped New Zealand dominate both innings.

Key Highlights & Match Stats

• New Zealand’s 362/6 set a new record, as the highest total in a Champions Trophy semi-final.
• This match witnessed three centurions in one match, Ravindra, Williamson, and Miller all hit brilliant hundreds.
• South Africa’s semi-final woes continue, as this marks their ninth loss in 11 ICC ODI semi-finals.
• New Zealand is back in the final, as they face India in Dubai on March 9, 2025.

What’s Next?

With this confident win, New Zealand has their eyes set on the big prize. Their combination of experience, cool-headed leadership, and all-around balance makes them a serious threat in the final.

On the flip side, South Africa will be left wondering what went wrong, again. Despite a solid campaign and brilliant individual performances, their ICC semi-final curse continues.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand had everything fans could ask for. From outstanding centuries to late-game pressure, the match was a true cricketing spectacle. New Zealand came out stronger, executed their game plan flawlessly, and now stand one win away from glory.

As we gear up for the big final, all eyes will be on how New Zealand capitalizes on this momentum. Will they lift the Champions Trophy? Only time will tell.