New Zealand set a mammoth target of 363 runs for South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
The Kiwi batting lineup, led by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and captain Kane Williamson, posted a historic total that shattered Australia’s previous record of 356 runs in the Champions Trophy.
Ravindra played a magnificent knock, scoring 108 runs with remarkable fluency. Williamson, anchoring the innings, made 102 runs, ensuring New Zealand capitalised on their solid foundation.
Daryl Mitchell added 49 runs before falling short of a half-century, while Will Young contributed 21 runs. Tom Latham, however, was dismissed early for just 4 runs by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.
Glenn Phillips then provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 49 runs, pushing New Zealand to a record-breaking total.
The South African bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught. Kagiso Rabada claimed two wickets, while Lungi Ngidi picked up three, preventing New Zealand from reaching an even larger total.
South Africa, having won all their group-stage matches, now faced the daunting challenge of chasing 363 runs to keep their title hopes alive.
Rabada, Ngidi, and the rest of South Africa’s bowling attack were left to defend what was a historic total.
The match, with the winner to face India in the final on March 9 in Dubai, was a significant one.
South Africa, under the leadership of Temba Bavuma, had remained unbeaten in the group stage, finishing first in Group B.
Despite this, questions surrounding Bavuma’s fitness remained, as he had missed the previous game against England due to injury.
Aiden Markram had led the side in his place.
Meanwhile, New Zealand, led by Mitchell Santner, proved their effectiveness in the conditions at Lahore. The Black Caps finished second in Group A, winning two out of three matches.
Their only loss came against India, where they failed to chase down 250 runs despite a strong 81-run performance from Williamson.
South Africa, with their formidable all-rounders and the return of Heinrich Klaasen, entered the semi-final full of confidence.
However, New Zealand’s record-breaking total had given the Kiwis a significant advantage in the contest.
