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CT 2025 Updates: New Zealand rout SA; face India in final

Wed, 05 March 2025

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22:41

New Zealand crush SA; face India in final

SA 312-9 (50 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped New Zealand outclass South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday.

New Zealand will take on India in Sunday's final.

Ravindra stroked 108, while Williamson smashed 102 as the duo put on 164-run stand for the second wicket to take New Zealand to 362/6 in their 50 overs -- the highest total in the Champions Trophy.

In reply, South Africa struggled with the bat and finished on 312/9 in their 50 overs with Miller's 67-ball century going in vain.

Captain Mitchell Santner led from the front with the ball, taking 3/43 in 10 overs, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry bagged two wickets each.

David Miller waged a lone battle as he smashed an unbeaten 100 from 67 balls.

With the target out of reach, Miller went on all-out attack in the last three overs which helped him get his century off the last ball of the match.

He was batting on 52 from 49 balls after 47 overs, before he smashed 48 from the last 18 balls, playing every delivery from the last three overs to give the South African fans something to cheer about.

22:12

New Zealand set for big win vs SA

SA 279-9 (48 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Pacer Jamieson back into the attack. He swings the first ball over midwicket for a six before he throws his bat at a wide full toss but gets the edge which goes wide of the wicketkeeper for a four.

Miller miscues the wide full toss as Williamson makes a good effort running back from point but can't get to the ball.

Miller pulls the fifth ball, clearing the square leg fence for a six and hits the last ball to deep point for one.

The match is out of South Africa's reach with 84 needed from two overs.

22:07

SA lose 9th wicket

SA 264-9 (47 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Henry takes New Zealand closer to victory. Rabada swings across the line but holes out to Phillips at deep midwicket to perish for 16.

New Zealand just one wicket from Sunday's final.

Henry bowls a wide to new batter Lungi Ngidi, who then takes a single on the leg side before Miller takes one off the next.

O'Rourke back into the attack. The players just going through the motions as the result seems a mere formality now.

Miller pulls the first ball to deep square leg but doesn't take the single before he smacks the third ball back over the bowler's head for a four to complete his fifty, from 46 balls.

Miller rushed into the pull shot as the ball falls safely before he drives the last ball to long-off for a single to retain strike.

21:56

New Zealand set for big win vs SA

SA 253-8 (45 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Pacer Henry back into the attack with South Africa needing 123 from seven overs for victory.

He bowls a tidy over as just five singles come from the 44th over.

Have South Africa given up on the run chase already? A disappointing approach especially from Miller as he didn't attempt to go out on an all-out attack and make a match out of it.

Santner to bowl his final over. Rabada pulls the second ball through square leg for a four before he lofts the spinner back over his head for another boundary.

He watchfully keeps out the last two balls as Santner finishes with match-turning spell of 3/43 from his 10 overs.

21:48

SA 8 down; New Zealand set for big win

SA 240-8 (43 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Santner, who took 3/29 in seven overs, comes back into the attack. He broke the back of the South African batting line-up with three crucial strikes in the middle overs.

He continues to be tight with the ball, conceding just three singles in his eighth over.

Phillips continues as Miller pulls the first ball over midwicket for a six before he hits the next over the off-side for a four and then takes a single to get 11 from the over.

Strangely, Miller content to play it safe against Santner as he taps the first ball back to the bowler and takes a single off the next.

Santner bowls a wide as Rabada plays four dots in a row before taking one off the last ball, as just three runs come from the over.

21:41

SA 8 down; New Zealand set for big win

SA 223-8 (40 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Ravindra continues as Miller flicks the first ball through square leg for a couple of runs and then takes one to long-on.

Keshav Maharaj gets off the mark with a single on the leg side and Miller keeps strike with one from the last ball as just five runs come from the over.

Phillips strikes again in his next over. Maharaj (1) misses the sweep as the ball goes off his gloves and wicketkeeper Tom Latham takes a smart catch down the leg side.

Phillips bowls a wide down the leg side to new batter Kagiso Rabada, who then takes a single to get off the mark.

Miller picks one to long-off before Rabada hits the last ball through the covers for two runs.

South Africa are 223/8 in 40 overs, needing 140 from 10 overs for victory.

21:29

NZ's spinners leave SA in a mess!

SA 212-7 (38 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Is there a way back for South Africa? Miller has struggle against spin, scoring 12 from 18 balls with the asking rate going above 12.

Ravindra has been superb with the ball, picking up a crucial wicket, while drying up the runs with figures of 1/15 in four overs.

More spin for the Kiwis as part-timer Glenn Phillips is called into the attack.

Singles from the first three balls before Miller heaves the spinner over midwicket for a six.

He takes a single before Phillips strikes with the last ball of his first over. Marco Jansen misses the reverse sweep and is struck on the pads but the umpire rejects the appeal.

New Zealand take the review and manage to overturn the decision as the impact was in front and the ball was going on to strike the stumps.

21:16

NZ's spinners leave SA in a mess!

SA 200-6 (36 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

The wicket has further dented South Africa's progress. Bracewell quickly rushes through his ninth over, giving away just two singles in the 34th over.

South Africa face a near-impossible task of scoring 172 from the remaining 16 overs, with five wickets in hand.

Their hopes rest majorly on the experienced Miller, who is batting on 10 form 16 balls. He has played the finisher's role with great effect in T20 cricket.

Ravindra bowls another tight over, giving away just two runs as Mulder plays five dots out of six.

The match is slipping away from South Africa's grasp as they take the shocking approach of playing out the spinners without taking any risks.

Mulder decides to release the pressure as he reverse sweeps Bracewell powerfully through point for a four.

However, the spinner gets revenge a few balls later. Mulder swings across the line but holes out to Ravindra at deep square leg to perish for eight.

21:04

South Africa 5 down; NZ in control

SA 189-5 (33 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Ravindra, who hit a century with the bat, makes a contribution with the ball too.

Markram looks to drive on the up but ends up slicing a simple catch back to the bowler to be dismissed for 31.

That was a nothing shot from the experienced Markram as he leaves his team in further strife.

Just four singles and a crucial wicket of a well-set batter as South Africa slip to 189/5 in 33 overs.

21:01

South Africa struggle; NZ in control

SA 185-4 (32 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Left-arm spinner Rachin Ravindra comes into the attack, to bowl the 31st over.

Markram takes a single first ball before Miller lofts the third ball over mid-off for a boundary and gets one off the fifth.

Singles off the last two balls makes it seven runs from Ravindra's first over.

Off-spinner Bracewell back into the attack. He starts with a wide down the leg side to Markram, who then takes a single to long-on.

Miller takes one off the fourth ball before Markram drives the spinner straight down the ground for just a single.

Bracewell does well to bowl two dots in a row to Miller to end a good over, in which he conceded four runs to build up the pressure.

20:53

Santner dismisses Klaasen; SA in trouble

SA 174-4 (30 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Santner making all the difference in the middle overs with figures of 2/28 in six overs. His remaining four overs will be quite crucial.

South Africa's hopes depend majorly on the dangerous Heinrich Klassen, who has the ability to bail out his team from any position.

O'Rourke continues as Klaasen hits the first ball to mid-off before he pulls the next for a single.

Singles from the next three balls before O'Rourke ends a good over with a dot ball to Klaasen.

Santner deals South Africa a mighty blow with the big wicket of Klaasen, who holes out to Henry at long-on to be dismissed for three.

South Africa reeling on 167/4 in 28.4 overs, needing another 196 for victory as the asking rate goes above nine.

Just a single and the big wicket for Santner, who has wonderful figures of 1/29 in seven overs -- picking up the three big wickets to cripple the Proteas.

O'Rourke continues as Markram takes a single second ball before David Miller picks one to deep square leg to get off the mark.

Markram quick to pounce on the short ball as he pulls it over midwicket for a four before taking one.

South Africa are 174/4 in 30 overs, needing another 189 from 20 overs for victory.

20:39

Santner's double strike rocks SA

SA 162-3 (27 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

New Zealand make a change as O'Rourke replaces Bracewell. The first ball is a wide half-volley which Markram drills through the covers for a wonderful four.

He takes a single next ball before van der Dussen pulls the seamer over midwicket for another boundary, followed by one.

The last ball is another poor delivery as Markram slashes the short wide ball past point for the third four of the over, which goes for 14 runs.

Captain Santner again boosts New Zealand's hopes with the key wicket of the well-set Van der Dussen, who is bowled after a fine knock of 69 from 66 balls.

The right-hander plays all over a full delivery which turns away slight as he attempts to flick but misses the ball completely.

South Africa in trouble on 161/3 in the 27th over as the asking rate closes in on nine.

20:29

Bavuma out for 56; SA lose 2nd wicket

SA 143-2 (25 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Bracewell continues as van der Dussen and Markram pick a single each before the former paddles the spinner fine for two runs.

He then chips down the track to loft Bracewell over long-on for a six followed by a single from the last ball of the over.

South Africa need a boundary every over to keep in touch with the asking rate of 8.5.

Santner giving it some flight, slowing down the pace and not giving the South African batters anything to work with.

After a few tossed up deliveries, he pushes one through with the arm as van der Dussen drives it down to long-on for one and Markram punches the last ball for another run.

South Africa are 143/2 in 25 overs at the halfway mark, needing another 220 runs for victory.

Van der Dussen has stroked 63 from 61 balls but hasn't been allowed to break free by the Kiwi spinners.

20:23

Bavuma out for 56; SA lose 2nd wicket

SA 128-2 (23 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

A lifeline for Bavuma (50) as he sweeps Santner but Williamson fails to hold on to a tough chance diving to his right at midwicket.

Van der Dussen lofts the flighted delivery from the spinner over long-on for a six.

He clips the fourth ball in the gap at midwicket for two runs followed by a single and Bavuma keeps strike with one from the last ball, to get 11 from the over.

Bavuma sweeps Bracewell fine on the leg side for two runs to raise the 100-run stand for the second wicket and then takes one to long-on.

Van der Dussen also plays the lap sweep for two more runs followed by a single to deep extra cover to complete his fifty from 51 balls.

The pressure of the asking rate finally causes Bavuma's downfall. He comes down the track to loft Santner over the top but gets a thick outside edge and is caught by Williamson at point.

Bavuma walks back after a sedate knock of 56 from 71 balls at a strike rate of 78.87, putting on 105 runs for the second wicket with van der Dussen.

Aiden Markram gets off the mark with a single off the inside edge before Santner bowls a wide.

Terrific bowling from Santner as he concedes just three runs while picking up a wicket in his fourth over.

20:11

Bavuma hits fifty but NZ in control

SA 107-1 (20 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Van der Dussen sweeps Bracewell fine on the leg side for three runs followed by a wide.

Bavuma breaks the shackles as he uses his feet to loft the spinner over mid-off for a four -- the first boundary after a long wait of 39 balls.

That four also takes South Africa past the 100-run mark, in the 18th over.

Three singles follow as Bracewell gives away 11 in his fourth over.

Santner bowls a wonderful over, conceding just a single. Bavuma tried the reverse sweep but couldn't find the gap before he mistimed a flighted delivery back to the bowler.

Some turn for Santner to beat Bavuma on the outside edge before he takes a single off the last ball -- the only run of the over.

In the next over, Bavuma taps Bracewell for a single to bring up his fifty from 64 balls -- his seventh in ODIs.

Still a lot of dot balls as South Africa struggle to rotate the strike. Bracewell gives away just a single in his fifth over as South Africa reach 107/1 in 20 overs. They need another 256 runs from 30 overs at an asking rate of 8.53.

20:11

Bavuma hits fifty but NZ in control

SA 107-1 (20 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Van der Dussen sweeps Bracewell fine on the leg side for three runs followed by a wide.

Bavuma breaks the shackles as he uses his feet to loft the spinner over mid-off for a four -- the first boundary after a long wait of 39 balls.

That four also takes South Africa past the 100-run mark, in the 18th over.

Three singles follow as Bracewell gives away 11 in his fourth over.

Santner bowls a wonderful over, conceding just a single. Bavuma tried the reverse sweep but couldn't find the gap before he mistimed a flighted delivery back to the bowler.

Some turn for Santner to beat Bavuma on the outside edge before he takes a single off the last ball -- the only run of the over.

In the next over, Bavuma taps Bracewell for a single to bring up his fifty from 64 balls -- his seventh in ODIs.

20:02

Bavuma, Rassie rally South Africa

SA 94-1 (17 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Spinner Bracewell proving to be a tough customer to get away. Van der Dussen makes room but can only push the sharp turning delivery on the leg side, just short of the fielder at mid-on.

He pushes the next ball for one and Bavuma also manages just a single, to get five runs from the over.

Bracewell has done well to build the pressure, by giving away 10 runs in his three overs.

Spin from both ends as Mitchell Santner comes into the attack. Singles from the first two balls before Bavuma is struck on the pads as the leg before shout is turned down but New Zealand don't take the review.

Two more singles as Santner gives away just four runs in his opening over.

19:53

Bavuma, Rassie rally South Africa

SA 85-1 (15 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Van der Dussen drives O'Rourke uppishly through the covers for two runs followed by a single to midwicket.

Singles from the last two balls as five runs come from the 13th over.

Bracewell continues to be tight as he gives away just two singles in the 14th over.

The asking rate is fast inching towards eight, with New Zealand bowling three overs without a single boundary.

O'Rourke bowls a back of length wide delivery as Bavuma cuts it to deep point for one and van der Dussen flicks the next for another run.

The two batters look to keep the scoreboard ticking with six singles in a row.

South Africa are 85/1 in 15 overs, needing another 278 from 35 overs.

19:41

Bavuma, Rassie rally South Africa

Temba Bavuma

SA 72-1 (12 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Pacer William O'Rourke comes into the attack in place of Henry. He starts with a loose delivery, a wide half-volley, which van der Dussen crashes through the covers for a four.

Singles from the next three balls before Bavuma edges the fifth ball as it flies fine on the off-side for another four.

He guides the last ball behind square on the off-side for a couple of runs, to get 13 from the over.

Spin introduced as offie Michael Bracewell comes into the attack, to bowl the 12th over.

He makes a tidy start, conceding just three singles in his opening over.

19:34

Bavuma, Rassie rally South Africa

SA 56-1 (10 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Henry continues as van der Dussen before Bavuma chips down the track to loft the pacer inside out over the covers for a four.

He taps the fifth ball for a single on the off-side before his partner slaps the last ball in the gap through the covers for another boundary, to get 10 from the over as South Africa look to break the shackles.

Jamieson to bowl his fifth over. Bavuma look to break free after a watchful start as he pulls the second ball over square leg for a six. He inside edges the fourth ball for a couple of runs on the leg side.

Bavuma again gets the next ball off the inside half for two more runs through midwicket.

South Africa recover to 56/1 in 10 overs, with Bavuma on 25 from 33 balls and van der Dussen on 14 from 15 balls.

Interestingly, New Zealand were also on the same score after 10 overs.

19:27

Henry strikes; SA lose early wicket

SA 36-1 (8 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Bavuma manages to break the shackles as he flicks the full delivery from Jamieson through midwicket for a four and then takes a quick single next ball.

Van der Dussen keeps strike with a single from the last ball of the over.

In the next over, Van der Dussen taps Henry to mid-off and runs across for a quick single as the wild throw from Santner gets him another run courtesy of the overthrow.

Bavuma ends the over with three dots in a row. He is struggling on eight from 23 balls faced.

South Africa's run rate has fallen below five. They need a few big overs to get their run chase back on track.

Jamieson has been quite impressive with the new ball. He starts with fourth over with four dots in a row to van der Dussen, who manages just a single on the leg side.

Bavuma drives the last ball past the fielder at mid-off for a couple of runs.

19:13

Henry strikes; SA lose early wicket

SA 24-1 (5 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Jamieson starts his second over with three dots in a row to Bavuma, who then edges it to thirdman for one.

This is the first run that the Kiwi pacer has conceded in 10 balls bowled so far in this match.

Loose from Jamieson as he drifts on the pads and Rickelton makes most, flicking the pacer through midwicket for a four to continue his impressive start.

Bavuma struggling to get going as he plays another couple of dots from Henry. The South Africa captain takes a single to take his score to 3 from 17 balls.

The pressure pays off. Rickelton looking to be positive is early into the shot as he pushes the slower ball straight to Bracewell at short cover.

Rickelton walks back after scoring 17 from 12 balls as South Africa lose an early wicket.

Rassie van der Dussen plays a nice flick off the last ball he faces, getting it past the fielder at mid-on for a four to get off the mark in confident fashion.

19:00

Ravindra, Williamson tons lift NZ to 362

SA 14-0 (3 ovs) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

Kyle Jamieson from the other end. He makes a good start as he beats Bavuma first ball with one that jags away to go past the outside edge.

Bavuma watchfully keeps out the rest of the over, as Jamieson starts off with a maiden over.

In the next over, Rickelton drives Henry straight as the fielder at mid-off keeps it down to one.

Bavuma plays and misses again as he pushes away from the body before taking a single on the leg side to get off the mark.

Henry errs with his length, bowling too full as Rickelton offers the full face of the bat to drive straight back past the bowler for another glorious boundary.

18:56

SA 8-0 (1 ov) vs NZ 362-6 | Scorecard

South Africa will need a rapid start from their openers Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton to make most of the Powerplay.

Matt Henry opens the bowling for New Zealand. Rickelton defends the first ball before he inside edges the next which narrowly misses the stumps and goes fine for a four.

The left-hander is then beaten as he tries to cut followed by a block.

Henry bowls it too full as Rickelton drills it back past the bowler for a boundary.

18:35

Ravindra, Williamson tons lift NZ to 362

Kane Williamson celebrates after reaching his century.

NZ 362-6 (50 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen to bowl the 49th over. Bracewell swings and misses as he is foxed by the slower ball before he hits the next to long-on for a couple of runs followed by a single on the leg side.

Singles off the last three balls as Jansen does well to give away just six runs from the penultimate over.

Ngidi to bowl the final over. Phillips pulls the slower bouncer for a couple of runs as he mistimes the shot before he gets an edge off the next ball which flies past the wicketkeeper for a four.

He inside edges the pull shot for a single before Bracewell hammers a full delivery straight down the ground for a four.

Ngidi gets revenge next ball as he gets the left-hander caught in the covers as he plays an uppish drive after scoring 16 from 12 balls.

Mitchell Santner to face the final ball as he hits the last ball to long-on for two runs.

New Zealand finish on a huge 362/6 in their 50 overs, with 110 coming from the last 10 overs, with Phillips and Mitchell providing the fireworks at the end.

Phillips finishes unbeaten on a quickfire 49 from 27 balls, hitting six fours and a six.

This is the highest team total in the history of the Champions Trophy, beating the previous record held by Australia, who made 356/5 against England in Lahore earlier in the tournament.

18:10

Phillips' attack boosts New Zealand

NZ 343-5 (48 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Rabada to bowl the 48th over. The first ball is in the slot, full and straight, as Phillips slams it straight back over the bowler's head for a six followed by a wide.

Phillips hits a full toss, hitting it down towards long-on and has enough time to rush back for the second.

Rabada gifts another freebie, a wide half-volley, which Phillips crashes through the covers for a four. He top edges the short ball on to his helmet as he gets a single.

Left-hander Bracewell misses the pull shot but the ball strikes his pads and goes past the wicketkeeper for four leg byes.

A single to Bracewell off the last ball makes it 19 runs from the 48th over.

New Zealand have turned things around in style, smashing 64 from the last four overs.

Phillips has provided the momentum in the last few overs, smashing 40 from 22 balls.

18:06

Mitchell out for 49; New Zealand 5 down

NZ 324-5 (47 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen back for a new spell. Singles off the first two balls before Phillips swings the third ball behind square on the leg side for a four to take New Zealand past the 300-run mark, in the 47th over.

The next ball is slower in pacer as Phillips adjusts well to pull it for another boundary and smashes the next straight down the ground for another four.

Jansen tries another slower bouncer as Phillips times the pull to perfection for the fourth boundary in a row, to get 18 from the over.

Ngidi checks New Zealand's progress with the wicket of Mitchell, who fetches the slower short ball from outside the line of off-stump but straight into the hands of Rabada at deep midwicket.

A good hand from Mitchell as he makes his way back after scoring 49 from 37 balls, having put on 57 runs for the fifth wicket with Phillips from just 30 balls.

Michael Bracewell gets off the mark with a single before the pacer bowls a wide and Phillips gets one on the off-side.

Bracewell clips the full delivery on his pads past short fine leg for a four followed by another wide.

He hits the last ball in the gap through the covers for two runs.

17:53

Mitchell's attack revives New Zealand

NZ 296-4 (45 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Mitchell releases the pressure as he lofts Jansen over mid-off for a four -- his first boundary after 27 balls faced.

He flicks the next in the gap through midwicket for two runs before he guides the last ball past short thirdman for another four to make it 13 runs from the 43rd over.

Rabada has been excellent on a good batting wicket. Not only has he struck with crucial wickets, he has also kept things in check in his latest spell.

He gives away just five runs in the 44th over after he had conceded four in the previous over.

Ngidi back into the attack. Mitchell waiting for the slower ball as he times his swat to perfection over square leg for a six.

The next ball is again slower and this time the right-hander swings it over square leg for a four as the fielder rushes in and dives but can't get to the ball.

The next ball is slammed through point for a four followed by singles off the last two balls, to get 17 from the over.

Mitchell was batting steady on 20 from 25 balls at one stage before he cut loose, to smash 28 from the next 10 balls, hitting four fours and a six, to race to 48 from 35 balls.

17:40

Latham out for 4; SA fight back

NZ 261-4 (42 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Jansen comes back into the attack. He does well to restrict the Kiwi batters to five singles in his seventh over -- the 41st over of the innings.

Rabada back into the attack. He strikes first ball with the key wicket of Latham, who shuffles across and attempts the scoop but misses the ball and is bowled for four.

Glenn Phillips keeps out the yorker first ball before he pushes the next on the off-side for a single to get off the mark.

Mitchell mistimes the pull shot off the slower bouncer for a single before Phillips cuts the last ball over point for two runs.

New Zealand have lost two wickets for six runs in the last 14 balls to be reduced to 261/4 in 42 overs.

17:35

Williamson out for 102; NZ 3 down

Kane Williamson

NZ 252-3 (40 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Mulder comes back into the attack. Mitchell hits the first ball for a single and Williamson initially comes down the track before he has to adjust to the short ball as he steers it over point for two runs.

He then makes room to stroke the third ball past point for a boundary before taking one to square leg.

Mitchell keeps strike with one from the last ball, to get nine from the over.

A superb over from Maharaj under the circumstances as the spinner concedes just two singles in the 39th over.

In the next over, Williamson brings up his century in grand style from 91 balls as he walks across to scoop pacer Mulder over the wicketkeeper for a four.

This is Williamson's fourth century in ICC ODI events and his 15th overall in 50-overs cricket.

However, he fails to carry as he perishes a few balls later. Williamson again walks across and tries the scoop but this time he ends up miscuing a simple catch to the fielder at short fine leg.

Williamson is dismissed after a magnificent 102 from 94 balls, having hit 10 fours and two sixes.

17:16

Rabada strikes; Ravindra out for 108

NZ 234-2 (37 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

The wicket has slowed down South Africa, as Maharaj rushes through his eighth over, giving away just three singles.

Mitchell looks to maintain the tempo. He lofts Rabada over mid-on but fails to time the lofted shot as it clears mid-on for two runs and flicks the next off his pads for two more runs.

A single each to the two batters before Mitchell pulls the last ball for two more runs, to get eight from the over.

In the next over, Williamson cuts Maharaj behind point for two runs and then takes one to long-on.

Mitchell plays the slog sweep over midwicket for a couple before taking one through the covers.

Williamson sweeps the last ball powerfully in the gap through square leg for a boundary.

17:14

Rabada strikes; Ravindra out for 108

NZ 213-2 (34 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Maharaj back into the attack as South Africa look towards their lead spinner to make the breakthrough.

But he continues to leak runs. Singles from the first five balls before Williamson sweeps the last ball over midwicket for a six to continue the flow of runs.

Rabada brings relief to South Africa with the key wicket of Ravindra, who throws his bat at a length ball slanted across but gets the edge and is caught behind.

Ravindra walks back after a superb knock of 108 from 101 balls, with 13 fours and a six.

He has laid the platform for New Zealand to post a huge total, putting on 164 from 154 balls for the second wicket with Williamson.

16:55

Ravindra hits century; NZ race past 200

NZ 201-1 (32 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

South Africa take the review as Ravindra is beaten by the slower ball as he tries to slash Ngidi square on the off-side.

But there is nothing on the UltraEdge as the review is wasted.

Ravindra takes a single before Williamson keeps out the last two balls as Ngidi bowls a tight over, conceding just three runs.

Rababa comes back for a new spell. Ravindra flicks the first ball in the gap at midwicket for a couple of runs to bring up his century from 93 balls -- his second of the Champions Trophy and fifth overall.

Rabada overpitches on the pads as Ravindra flicks it behind square for a boundary and picks one.

Williamson slams the pacer wide of long-on for two runs before he shuffles a long way across to scoop Rabada over short fine leg for a four.

He then makes room to smash the last ball in the gap through the covers for another boundary, to make it 17 from the over.

New Zealand race past the 200-run mark, in the 32nd over.

16:40

Ravindra, Williamson pile on the runs

NZ 181-1 (30 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Ngidi is back into the attack as a desperate South Africa seek a breakthrough. Ravindra hits the first ball to long-on for one and Williamson steers the next to thirdman for another run.

Ravindra is beaten on the outside edge as Ngidi foxes him with a clever change of pace, who then cuts the next ball for a couple of runs.

Williamson, on 56, gets a lifeline off the next ball. He gets a big fat edge trying to drive Ngidi but wicketkeeper Klaasen diving to his right is unable to hold on to the catch.

Williamson looking to up the ante. He makes room and plays a cracking inside out lofted shot off Markram for a boundary, followed by two singles.

New Zealand on course for a huge total as they race to 181/1 in 30 overs.

Ravindra has stroked his way to 95 from 88 balls, while Williamson has made 62 from 69 balls. Their partnership is worth 133 from as many balls.

16:36

Ravindra, Williamson pile on the runs

NZ 169-1 (28 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Williamson clips Markram off his pads for one before Ravindra slashes the spinner past point for three runs.

In the next over, Ravindra gets lucky. He steps down the track to Maharaj but gets it off the outside edge as the ball flies wide of wicketkeeper Klaasen for a four to raise the 100-run stand for the second wicket.

Ravindra takes a single before Williamson uses his feet to swipe the spinner over midwicket for a six and then takes one.

In the next over, Williamson flicks Markram uppishly as the ball falls just short of the fielder rushing in from deep midwicket.

The two runs bring up Williamson's half-century from 61 balls as the Kiwi continue to pile on the runs in the middle overs.

He then shows his range as he reverse sweeps Markram for a boundary past point followed by two singles to get 10 from the over.

16:23

Ravindra-Williamson build NZ's total

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson

NZ 143-1 (25 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Williamson flicks Maharaj over midwicket for two runs and then takes a single down to long-off followed by another run to Ravindra off the next.

Williamson drives the fifth ball to long-on for another run, to make it five runs from the over.

Part-time off-spinner Aiden Markram comes into the attack. He makes a tidy start, giving away just three singles in his first over.

Ravindra releases the pressure after a couple of quiet overs. He comes down the track to loft Maharaj straight down the ground for a four.

The next ball he again steps to launch the spinner over long-on for a six followed by a single.

Williamson takes one off the last ball to make it 13 runs from the over.

New Zealand well placed on 143/1 in 25 overs, with Ravindra on 80 and Williamson on 39,

16:11

Ravindra hits fifty, NZ in control

NZ 122-1 (22 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Maharaj bowls an overpitched wide delivery as Ravindra makes most, as he cracks it through the gap in the covers for a four before he defends the rest of the over.

Jansen from the other end. Williamson and Ravindra easily milk the pacer for five singles as New Zealand keep the scoreboard moving along.

Ravindra and Williamson have put on 74 from 85 balls to lay the foundation for a big total on a good pitch in Lahore.

16:05

Ravindra hits fifty, NZ in control

NZ 113-1 (20 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Ravindra gives Maharaj the charge but misses the flick and is hit on the pads. The next ball is short and down the leg side but Ravindra misses out as he hits it straight to the fielder at short fine leg.

He then drives the spinner to long-on for a single and Williamson picks one off the last ball.

Pacer Jansen, who was expensive in his first spell, is back into the attack as South Africa aim for a breakthrough.

Williamson gets the leading edge first ball before he flicks the third ball to fine leg for a single and Ravindra gets one off the fifth ball.

15:58

Ravindra hits fifty, NZ go past 100

NZ 109-1 (18 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Mulder resumes after the drinks breaks. He starts with a yorker which Williamson defends before stealing a quick run on the off-side and Ravindra plays the pull shot for two runs and keeps strike with one from the last ball.

Spin introduced as Keshav Maharaj comes into the attack, to bowl the 17th over.

The left-armer makes a tidy start giving away just three singles in his opening over.

In the next over, Ravindra glances Mulder fine on the leg side for a four to complete his fifty from 47 balls.

He flicks the next ball to deep square leg and Williamson does the same next ball to bring up New Zealand's 100, in the 18th over.

Ravindra continues to punish the short ball as he again pulls Mulder for a boundary over midwicket.

The left-hander looking to wrest control. Mulder goes full and straight and this time Ravindra plays a beautiful straight drive past the non-striker for the third four of the over.

Mulder all over the place. This time he drifts on the pads as Ravindra misses the glance but collects a leg bye, as 15 runs come from the over.

15:44

Williamson, Ravindra revive NZ

Kane Williamson

NZ 87-1 (15 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Mulder continues as Ravindra breaks the shackles as he pulls the short ball over midwicket for a four.

He gets a single down to long-on followed by a wide before Williamson clips the last ball off his pads for two runs, to get 10 from the over.

Rabada continues as Williamson plays a lovely flick off an overpitched delivery on his pads, getting it in the gap at midwicket for a four

He pulls the next ball through square leg for two runs and works the next again off his pads for another couple of runs.

He gets a single off the last ball as another over goes for 10 runs.

New Zealand have raced to 87/1 in 15 overs, with Ravindra on 41 from 39 balls and Williamson on 23 from 28 balls.

15:34

SA's bowlers keep NZ in check

NZ 67-1 (13 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Rabada continues as Ravindra picks a single first ball before Williamson gets the next off the outside half and defends the next into the off-side.

Williamson guides the next fine opening the face of the bat at the very last second to guide it to the right of wicketkeeper for a four, followed by singles off the last two balls.

Medium pacer Wiaan Mulder comes into the attack. Ravindra gets a leading edge first ball but it falls safely before plays a nice flick off the third ball for two runs, followed by a single each to the two batters.

A close shave for Williamson as he miscues the slower ball looking to flick but the ball falls just short of the fielder at mid-on.

Five dots in a row before Williamson looks to break the shackles but is hurried into the pull shot by a quick bouncer and struck on the gloves.

Fantastic bowling from Rabada as he bowls a maiden over.

15:20

Ngidi strikes; New Zealand lose 1st wkt

NZ 56-1 (10 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Kagiso Rabada comes into the attack in place of Jansen, who bowled an expensive first spell conceding 30 runs in four overs.

Ravindra steers the first ball to thirdman for a single and new batter Kane Williamson is beaten next ball as it goes past the outside edge.

Williamson pushes the next behind point for a single to get off the mark and Ravindra gets a thick edge last ball for one as Rabada concedes jsut three runs in his first over.

Ngidi continues as Ravindra nudges the first ball on the leg side for a single. Williamson keeps out the next few balls before he plays a cracking cut shot but Miller comes up with a diving stop to save the four.

However, he plays a superb drive off the last ball, getting it perfectly in the gap through the covers for a four.

New Zealand are 56/1 in 10 overs with Ravindra on 29 and Williamson on five.

15:09

Ngidi strikes; New Zealand lose 1st wkt

NZ 48-1 (8 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Ravindra looks in great touch. He is leaning forward into the shot but still manages to despatch the slower ball from Jansen, short in length, past the fielder in the covers for a boundary.

The next ball is a bit too straight and this time the left-hander flicks it in great style through midwicket for another four.

Ravindra makes it a hat-trick of fours. He plays another gorgeous drive on the up, hitting the ball in the gap through extra cover for the third boundary in a row, to get 14 from the over.

Young also looking to get into the act. He wristly flicks Ngidi through midwicket for three runs as the fielder at mid-on does well to chase the ball and put in the slide to keep the ball inside the ropes.

Ravindra taps the third ball into the covers for a quick single.

Ngidi brings South Africa some relief as he makes the breakthrough. Young is completely deceived by the slower ball as he miscues it high and is caught at long-off by Aiden Markram.

Young walks back for 21 after putting on 48 runs for the opening wicket with Ravindra.

15:01

New Zealand off to a bright start vs SA

Rachin Ravindra

NZ 30-0 (6 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Young clips Jansen off his pads for two runs followed by a single to thirdman off the fourth ball.

Ravindra plays another pull shot but the fielder comes up with a superb stop to save the boundary and keep it down to just a single.

Jansen keeps bowling short and this time Young despatches it in the gap through square leg for a four.

In the next over, Ngidi drifts on the pads as Ravindra misses the fine clip b before he takes a single to square leg.

Ngidi already trying a few slower ball as Young mistimes the flick with the ball going uppishly but well short of the fielder at mid-on.

14:51

New Zealand off to a bright start vs SA

NZ 21-0 (4 ovs) vs SA | Scorecard

Lungi Ngidi from the other end. Young defends the first few balls before he gets a thick outside edge trying to play the cut shot as the ball flies over the slip fielder for a four.

He keeps out the last two balls to end a good first over from Ngidi.

Jansen also keeping things tight. He starts his second over with three dots in a row to Ravindra, who drives it past David Miller in the covers as the ball goes through his hands for a couple of runs.

He plays a thumping shot off the last ball, hitting it over powerfully over square leg for a four.

Ngidi's new over starts in the same fashion. A short wide delivery is cracked past point by Young for a boundary.

He takes a single before Ravindra plays a stylish flick off the last ball for another four.

14:37

Unchanged NZ elect to bat vs SA

NZ 2-0 (1 ov) vs SA | Scorecard

Rachin Ravindra and Will Young are the two openers for New Zealand, while left-arm pacer Marco Jansen will open the bowling for South Africa.

Young clips the first ball off his pads for a single to get the Kiwis off the mark.

Ravindra defends the next into the off-side and blocks the next followed by a leave.

The left-hander misses the flick off a leg side delivery which is ruled a wide and he keeps out the last two balls.

14:10

Captain Bavuma back for South Africa

Captain Temba Bavuma is back for the Proteas as he replaces Tristan Stubbs, while the Kiwis are unchanged.

Check out the playing XIs:

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen (w/k), David Miller, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (captain), Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (w/k), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William ORourke.

14:05

Unchanged NZ elect to bat vs SA

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has won the toss and elected to bat against South Africa in the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy in Lahore.

New Zealand, who were beaten by India in their previous match, are unchanged from that game.

South Africa have made one change as fit-again captain Temba Bavuma comes back into the playing XI.

13:51

'Crazy 18 hours' for South Africa ahead of semis

South Africa should have no ill effects from their whistlestop and, in the end, pointless 18-hour trip to Dubai as they prepare to face New Zealand in Lahore in Wednesday's second semi-final of the Champions Trophy, according to batter Heinrich Klaasen.

South Africa and Australia both flew to the United Arab Emirates as they awaited the result of the final Group A game between India and New Zealand on Sunday, necessitated given the tight turnaround ahead of Tuesday's first semi-final in Dubai.

India are playing all their Champions Trophy fixtures in UAE after they refused to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

South Africa returned almost immediately to Pakistan, but Klaasen does not expect their wasted trip to have any lasting effect on the players.

"It was not ideal for the bodies, but we had some time to get out and walk about. We knew ahead of time that two teams were going to have to travel," he told reporters on Monday.

"We haven't travelled a lot in this competition to be fair, it was just a crazy 18 hours. We could stretch our legs and recover before we had to come back. It is part of professional cricket these days. There is not much more to say about it."

The winner of the match will play against India in Sunday's final in Dubai.

13:49

Can NZ finally break ICC curse vs SA?

Welcome to the coverage of the ICC Champions Trophy second semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday.

Loaded with world-class talent but haunted by the underachievers' tag at ICC events, New Zealand and South Africa will square off in an evenly-matched second semis.

South Africa and New Zealand have won the Champions Trophy once each in 1998 and 2000 respectively but the tournament was called the ICC Knockout Trophy at that time and didn't carry the significance which it has now.

While South Africa would look to shed their big tournament 'chokers' tag, the Kiwis will also be desperate to lay their hands on a title after having finished second best twice in the ODI World Cup (2015 and 2019) and once in the T20 World Cup (2021).

Led by Mitchell Santner, New Zealand finished behind India in Group A, while South Africa topped Group B ahead of Australia.

But there is little to separate the two sides. Both are evenly-matched in most departments but the Proteas look to be slightly ahead on the bowling front because of variety.

The two teams have enough firepower in their batting line-ups and have quality fielders but the contest is expected to be decided by the spinners.

Although the pitches here are a bit on the slower side but they haven't spun as much as the surfaces in Dubai and it will be interesting to see how the spinners of both the teams fare.

The 44-run loss to India in their last group match notwithstanding, New Zealand will take confidence from their win over South Africa in the tri-series here last month.

Recently, New Zealand successfully chased 305 against South Africa in Lahore and then went on to win the tri-series, beating Pakistan in the final.

While on-paper, South Africa look a formidable unit and have been the team to beat in recent ICC events, their overall form over the last one year or so doesn't inspire confidence as the Proteas have lost eight of their last 13 ODIs.

CT 2025 Updates: New Zealand rout SA; face India in final

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