David Miller’s unbeaten ton wasn’t enough for the Proteas, with the Black Caps advancing to face India in the decider.
New Zealand are through to the 2025 Champions Trophy final after beating South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday, with centuries by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson propelling the Kiwis to a record-breaking total.
The Black Caps entered the clash as slight underdogs across cricket betting sites, with South Africa having gone undefeated to finish top of Group B.
However, New Zealand put on a brilliant display of ODI cricket, forming a strong base through Ravindra (108) and Williamson (102) after Will Young (21) fell in the eighth over.
This allowed pinch-hitters Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49*) to swing freely later in the innings and attack the likes of Keshav Maharaj, who went for his second-worst figures in ODIs (0/65).
The Kiwis would go on to accrue 362/6 from their 50 overs, breaking Australia’s record for the highest total in Champions Trophy history (356/5), set earlier in the tournament against England.
South Africa were under the pump early as they attempted to execute a record-breaking chase.
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Ryan Rickelton (17) fell in the fifth over, and while Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) both made healthy scores, neither continued on as needed.
This left too much for the Proteas’ middle order to handle, and with a rising required run rate, wickets tumbled as 161/2 soon became 218/8.
David Miller (100*) fought valiantly and gave the final score a semblance of respectability, helping put on 94 runs for the last two wickets and raising his bat on the final ball of the innings.
The result was still a 50-run victory for New Zealand, who now play India in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday in Dubai.
Despite the Black Caps’ dominance, cricket bookmakers have India as heavy favourites to win their third title.
“We’ve had a go against India, look forward to doing it again,” NZ captain Mitchell Santner said after the match.
“It’s a cool feeling to make the final.”
Top bookie Nags.bet is paying -250 for India to win on Sunday, while New Zealand are at +200.
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