South Africa vs New Zealand ICC Champions Trophy, 2025, Full Score Card

A couple of runs to end the innings! Ngidi rolls his fingers over the ball and keeps it fuller, near the tramline on off, Mitchell Santner walks across his stumps and swings for the hills. Cloths his shot in front of long on and comes charging back for the second run. 13 runs off the last over. New Zealand finish with 362 on the board!

The New Zealand skipper, Mitchell Santner walks out to face the final ball of the innings.

OUT! TAKEN! Michael Bracewell could not have picked out the fielder any better! Ngidi goes wide of the crease and hurls it on a length, outside off, Michael Bracewell winds up and creams the drive. Hits it flat and straight to extra cover where Ryan Rickelton takes it around his knees.

FOUR! Crunched! From around the wicket to the left-hander, on a good length, off-cutter, Michael Bracewell swings through the line and pumps it to the left of long off for a boundary. 11 runs off the over so far.

7 runs off the first 3 balls! Tucks the batter up for room, on a shortish length, Glenn Phillips is unable to get his hands through the ball for the pull. Gets an inside edge onto the pads and it rolls away on the off side for one.

FOUR! Off the edge but they all count! Ngidi serves the off-cutter, wider on off, on the fuller side, Glenn Phillips swings at it. Gets an outside edge that flies between the keeper and short third for a boundary.

Bowled from wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle, into the wicket, on middle, Glenn Phillips shovels it to the right of long on for a couple of runs.

Fuller, on off, drilled to long off for a single by Glenn Phillips. Just 6 runs off the penultimate over.

On a good length, on off, Michael Bracewell dances down the track to go back over the bowler's head. Gets an inside edge to the left of short fine leg where Keshav Maharaj tidies up. Just a single. Turning out to be a good over from Jansen. 5 runs off it so far.

Pushes it across the right-hander, on a back of a length, Glenn Phillips reaches out and flat bats it to long off for one.

Slower one now from Jansen, on a good length, Michael Bracewell swats it in front of deep mid-wicket for one.

In and around the off stump, on a good length, Michael Bracewell smears it to the left of long on. David Miller is quick in the deep to cut it off with a slide. Two runs taken.

Jansen starts with a dot! On a nagging length, pace taken off, around off, Michael Bracewell has a swipe across the line but the ball stays a bit low and sneaks past the off stump.

A bumper and the pace is taken off, on off, Michael Bracewell pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one. 19 runs off the over.

FOUR LEG BYES! More runs! 18 runs off the over with a ball to go. On a short of a good length, on off, Michael Bracewell goes for the pull but misses as the ball sneaks under the bat. The ball goes off the pads and races past short third for a boundary.

Dug in short and it is the slower one, Glenn Phillips swivels for the pull. Gets a top edge that deflects onto the helmet and balloons to the left of the keeper. They cross.

FOUR! Thrashed! Width offered on off, on the fuller side, Glenn Phillips reaches out and muscles it past extra cover for a boundary.

Low full toss, on the pads, Glenn Phillips drives it wide of long on for a couple of runs.

Wide! Too full and sliding down leg, Glenn Phillips lets it be.

SIX! Straight as an arrow! A bit too full from over the wicket, on middle, Glenn Phillips swings through the line and tonks it back over the bowler's head for a flat six.

Bashes the hard length, outside off, Michael Bracewell stands tall and thumps it to the left of deep cover. Kagiso Rabada mops it up in the deep. Two runs taken.

Wide! Pace taken off but the line is down leg again, MB misses the tickle.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Lungi strays on the pads from around the wicket, at pace with fine leg inside the circle. Bracewell just helps it past short fine leg for a boundary.

Loopy slower one, near the blockhole, on off, Michael Bracewell glides it to short third.

Bangs it on a back of a length, outside off, slapped to deep point for a single.

Wide! This is sprayed well wide on off, left alone by GP.

Around the wide guideline on off, on a length, Michael Bracewell drives it wide of cover for a single.

Michael Bracewell walks in at number 7 for New Zealand.

OUT! TAKEN! The slower ball does the trick for Lungi and this is a timely wicket for South Africa! Ngidi takes pace off and keeps it near the tramline on off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell stays deep in the crease and walks across his stumps to heave it across the line. The bat turns in his hand and he connects it right off the bottom part of the bat. It goes only as far as deep mid-wicket where Kagiso Rabada takes a safe catch running ahead. Mitchell goes for 49 (37).

FOUR! Glenn Phillips is putting on an exhibition here! Jansen switches to bowling it short but not short enough to trouble the batter, Glenn Phillips swivels and pulls it to the left of deep square leg for four more. 18 runs off the over.

FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! Pitched up, on off, Glenn Phillips gets his hands out in front and firms the drive to the right of mid off for yet another boundary. The 50-run stand comes up.

FOUR! Same region, same result! Jansen takes pace off and bangs it into the deck. This sits up to be hit. GP pummels it towards deep backward square leg for four more.

FOUR! Well worked! Angling into the right-hander from around the wicket, on a short of a good length, on middle, Glenn Phillips swivels and stays low on the shot. Swipes it through backward square leg for a boundary.

Slower and fuller, on the pads, Daryl eases it in front of long on for one.

Short and around off from around the wicket, slapped to deep cover for a single.

Back of a length, outside off, Glenn Phillips cuts it to cover for a single.

Short and on middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell clips it to deep backward square leg for one.

FOUR! Daryl Mitchell is finding the fence for fun! Short and outside off, Daryl Mitchell slaps it through backward point for another boundary.

MISJUDGED AND FOUR! Lungi Ngidi goes full and rolls his fingers over the ball, attacking the stumps, Daryl Mitchell swipes across and hits it off the lower half of the bat in front of deep mid-wicket. Wiaan Mulder charges in and dives ahead but misses it completely. The ball goes past him for four more runs. Mulder seems to have lost the ball under the rays of the sun, which is low and exactly on his opposite end.

SIX! Predictable delivery and Daryl Mitchell gets it off the screws! Short of a length, no pace, on middle, Mitchell takes a step across and whips it over deep square leg for a biggie.

Hard length, on middle, with no pace whatsoever, Glenn Phillips looks to pull but gets an inside edge that goes off his pads in front of cover. The batters take a single.

At 135 kph, angles it into the bodyline of the batter, on a back of a length. Glenn Phillips is cramped for room and hurried back in. Works it to fine leg for a single.

Very short and on middle, Daryl Mitchell swivels to pull but is a bit early through the shot. Does well to roll his wrists over the ball and keep it down the ground towards fine leg for a single.

Another full toss, on the pads, Glenn Phillips flicks it to deep mid-wicket for just a single.

Fired in full and on off, GP drives it well but cannot beat Temba Bavuma at mid off.

On a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell takes a step across and cuts it to deep point for a single.

A low full toss, on the pads, Glenn Phillips clips it to deep mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length, outside off, Daryl Mitchell gets on top of his toes and guides it past short third to his left with a gentle dab.

Jansen attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, Daryl Mitchell flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Much needed boundary! Fuller and outside off, Daryl Mitchell premediates and shuffles a bit. Thumps it straight over the bowler for a boundary towards long off fence.

Fuller and outside off, Glenn Phillips cuts it to deep cover for one.

WIDE! A bit too wide this time. On a length but past the tramline on off.

Hard length, outside off, GP taps it back to the bowler.

Very full, outside off, Daryl Mitchell drives it to long off for one. This is smart bowling. Trying not to keep it anywhere around the batter's hitting arc.

Short and on off, Glenn Phillips dabs it to deep point for a couple of runs.

Hits the deck hard, angling it into the batter, on a short of a length. Glenn Phillips only manages to get a glove that drops ahead of the keeper to his left.

Takes pace off and goes short, down leg, Daryl has to wait on it and helps it down to deep fine leg for a run.

On a good length, outside off, driven to deep cover for a single by Phillips to get off the mark.

Gets the yorker in, on off, Glenn digs it out.

Glenn Phillips walks out to bat.

OUT! TIMBER! Tom Latham tries to be cheeky and pays the ultimate price. South Africa manage to chip a couple of quick wickets and will hope to pull things back from here. KG keeps it straight, on a good length, on middle with an upright seam. Tom Latham shuffles across, gets on his knee and looks to ramp it behind but plays all over it. The ball zips through and keeps straight to hit the top of middle and off.

Nice change of pace to end the over. Lands it on a back of a good length, rolling his fingers over the ball while taking pace off around middle and leg, Daryl Mitchell swipes across but is way too early and misses.

Attacks the off-stump, on a fuller length, Tom Latham taps it to Temba Bavuma at mid off and charges through for a quick run.

Goes full but keeps it well outside off, Daryl Mitchell has to reach for it and slices it over point for a single.

Very full, outside off, Tom Latham drives it to deep cover for one.

Fuller than a length, on middle, Daryl Mitchell punches it to cover and picks up a single.

There might have been a thought to send Glenn Phillips in after Kane Williamson's dismissal, but New Zealand have decided to stick to their regular batting order.

On a length, on off, Tom Latham tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

On a good length, around off, Tom Latham comes forward and pushes it towards mid off and runs off for a quick single. The substitute fielder Tristan Stubbs makes a throw at the non striker's end but misses.

Tom Latham walks in at number 5 for New Zealand.

OUT! CAUGHT! Williamson departs after a quality knock! Mulder goes too full, touch outside off, Kane Williamson shuffles across and looks to scoop it over fine leg. He fails to clear the man inside the ring because of the fullness of the length and ends up ballooning it towards the short fine leg fielder Lungi Ngidi who makes no mistake.

A bumper from Mulder around off, Daryl Mitchell goes back and pulls it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.

Goes fuller again, around off, Kane Williamson moves across and flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.

A good yorker, around middle, Kane Williamson looks to dig it out but gets an inside edge behind the wicket to the left of the keeper.

FOUR! 15TH ODI HUNDRED FOR WILLIAMSON! He has played one of the best innings of his career in this semi-final. Mulder goes slightly fuller, around middle, Kane Williamson shuffles across and scoops it over short fine leg to complete his milestone. He takes the helmet off and celebrates his inning.

Floated up, on the pads, Kane uses his wrists to nudge it to long on for a single. Just 2 off it.

Dragged length, well outside off, much slower, Kane Williamson moves across and pats it down to backward point.

Tossed up, well outside off, Kane Williamson drives it but straight to cover.

Keeps it shorter again and touch outside off, Daryl Mitchell pushes it to long off for a single.

Nagging length, wide outside off, Mitchell shuffles across and slams it but straight back to the bowler.

Tossed up, just outside off, Mitchell comes forward and pushes it to the left of the bowler who stops it.

A bit slower, around off, on a length, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across and tucks it towards deep square leg for a single to end the over.

Short of a length, around middle, Daryl Mitchell swivels and pulls it to short fine leg.

On a good length, around middle, Kane works it away towards square leg for a single.

FOUR! PURE TIMING! Slightly fuller and outside off, Kane Williamson skips down the track again and waits to see the line of the ball. Opens the face of the bat to guide it in the gap towards backward point for a boundary.

Bangs in short of a length, as he sees the batter coming down the track, Kane Williamson makes a late adjustment and opens the face of the bat to glide it over backward point for a couple of runs.

Slower ball, fuller in length, around off, Mitchell comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single.

Wiaan Mulder (4-0-32-0) comes back into the attack.

FOUR! TOP SHOT! Floated up, wide outside off, Kane Williamson goes on his knee and moves across to reach out and drags it to the leg side with a lofted shot against the turn. The ball goes to the boundary at deep mid-wicket.

Keeps it shorter again, around off, Daryl steers it to deep cover for a single.

Dragged length, around off, Mitchell goes back and punches it towards cover.

Tossed up, around off and middle, Daryl Mitchell goes on his knee and looks to slog sweep it but gets it through the inner half of the bat towards deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Sliding on, short and on off, Kane punches it to long on for a single.

Short and turning away, Kane slaps it to the right of deep cover for a brace.

Dug in short, pace taken off again, DM waits on it and pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Takes the pace off, slightly fuller than the previous one, well outside off, Kane Williamson reaches out and cuts it to deep cover for another single.

A bit slower and outside off, on a length, Mitchell extends his arms to push it to deep cover for a single.

Short of a length, around off, Daryl Mitchell hops up and looks to turn it to the leg side but gets an inside edge onto his midriff.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, Mitchell uses his wrists to nudges it wide of deep square leg for another couple of runs.

On a good length, around off, Daryl Mitchell presses back a bit and clears out his front leg to loft it over mid on for a couple of runs.

Quicker, around off, on a nagging length, Williamson goes back and pushes it to cover.

Flighted up, around middle, Daryl Mitchell walks down the wicket and looks to loft it inside out but gets it through the inner half of the bat. The ball goes uppishly towards long on and they take a single.

Nagging length, around off, turns away, Mitchell drops it down to cover.

Floated up, and well outside off, Daryl Mitchell shuffles across a bit and sweeps it but straight to mid-wicket.

Drags his length a bit and outside off, Kane steers it to deep cover for a single off the back foot.

Tossed up, around off, Daryl Mitchell comes forward and drives it past the diving bowler to his left for a single.

Takes the pace off again, short of a length, around middle, Kane Williamson moves across and gets deceived by lack of the pace. He looks to pull it down but misses.

A bit slower and back of a length, around leg, Daryl Mitchell hops up and drops it down towards square leg for a single to get off the mark.

Nagging length, around middle, Mitchell flicks it towards mid-wicket.

Daryl Mitchell walks out to bat.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! End of a classy knock from Rachin Ravindra and Kagiso Rabada provides the much-needed breakthrough for his team. He bowls it on a good length, but wide outside off, Rachin Ravindra goes to chase it with no foot movement and induces an outside edge only. The ball goes to the left of the keeper Heinrich Klaasen who moves to his left and takes it with both hands. A superb innings from Ravindra comes to an end. He falls for 108 (101). The 164-run stand is broken. New Zealand are 212/2.

Much fuller, almost a yorker, around off, Rachin Ravindra brings his bat down and opens the face of the bat to dig it out to backward point.

On a good length, around middle, Rachin Ravindra looks to flick it but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball drops at his feet and he wants to take a quick single but is sent back by Kane Williamson.

SIX! TOP SHOT! Maharaj gives flight to the ball, and in the slot, very full, around off, Kane Williamson goes on his knee and slogs it over cow corner for a biggie.

Dragged length, around middle, Rachin Ravindra goes low and swipes it to square leg for a single.

A loopy ball, fuller and well outside off, Kane Williamson makes room and drives it in the air towards deep cover. It lands well ahead of the fielder and they take a single.

Tossed up, but on the pads, Rachin comes down the track and nudges it to long on for another single.

Drops it short again, around off, Kane makes room and pushes it to long off for a single.

Nagging length, around off, Rachin clears out his front leg and uses his wrists to flick it to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand continue to dominate the proceedings, having set a near-perfect platform. With nine wickets in hand and the firepower of Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips still to come, they will be disappointed if they don't push past 350 from here. These are ominous signs for South Africa. It’s not that they have bowled poorly, but it's been one of those days where nothing has quite gone their way. This break gives them a chance to regroup and reassess what they can do differently to find a breakthrough. Another concern for them is the availability of Wiaan Mulder, who walked off the field before the previous over.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Lands it fuller again, around off, Kane Williamson makes room and drives it inside out over cover for another boundary. New Zealand are accelerating now. 17 off the over.

FOUR! INNOVATIVE! Rabada goes fuller now, around middle, Kane Williamson reads it early and moves across to scoop it over short fine leg for a boundary.

Hard length, around off and middle, Kane Williamson makes room and chips it uppishly towards long on and takes a couple of runs.

Bangs in short of a length, touch outside off, Rachin Ravindra cuts it towards deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Yorker, around leg, Rachin Ravindra helps on its way towards deep fine leg for a boundary.

RACHIN RAVINDRA COMPLETES HIS FIFTH ODI HUNDRED! All have come in ICC events and he is pumped up as he takes the helmet off and soaks the applause from the crowd. A superb inning from the rising star of New Zealand. On a good length, around middle, Rachin Ravindra flicks it off his hips towards deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs to complete his milestone.

Wiaan Mulder has gone off the field. South Africa will hope that it's nothing serious and he is able to return to bowl. Tristan Stubbs has come on as his substitute.

Ngidi rolls his fingers again on the ball, slower and on a length, around leg, and follows the batter. Kane Williamson skips down the crease and looks to flick it but misses again. It is not given wide by the umpire as the ball has gone over the leg stump.

Slower again, on a length, follows the batter as Kane Williamson comes down the track and looks to flick it but misses and wears it on the thigh pad.

A yorker, well outside off, Ravindra digs it out towards cover-point and takes a single. Moves to 98.

BEATEN AGAIN! Ngidi takes the pace off, on a length, around off, Rachin Ravindra takes a step forward and looks to tap it down towards the off side but gets beaten on the outside edge because of lack of pace. There is a mild appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved and Temba Bavuma takes a review here. The third umpire comes into play and the UltraEdge shows that there is no bat involved. South Africa lose a review.

Hard length, on the pads, Rachin comes forward and flicks it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

BEATEN! On a good length, on the fourth stump, Rachin Ravindra flays at it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

A brief pause in play as Wiaan Mulder calls for the physio. He appears to be feeling some discomfort and is doing a few stretching exercises on his right leg. Mulder is back on his feet.

From around the wicket, fuller and around off, Kane backs away and drills it straight to extra cover.

Turning away, on off, on the shorter side, Rachin cuts it past point for a single.

Shorter and quicker, on off, punched to cover.

Pushed through, following the batter, Kane tucks it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for one.

FOUR! Just wide! On a good length, around off, Kane backs away and thumps it past the leaping cover fielder to his right for a boundary.

On off, on a nagging length, Kane reverse sweeps it straight to short third.

DROPPED! A tough chance though but South Africa needed that to stick! Ngidi rolls his fingers over the ball and keeps it away from the batter's arc, on a good length, Kane Williamson swings to go over the top on the off side. Gets an outside edge that goes to the right of the keeper. Heinrich Klaasen flings himself to his right but fails to hold on. A single taken.

Another off-pace delivery, on a good length, on middle, RR eases it in front of cover for one.

Width offered on off, on a short of a good length, Rachin flays it to the right of backward point. Marco Jansen at deep third sprints and slides to his left to keep the batters down to two.

Nicely bowled! Takes pace off and this goes across the left-hander, on a length, Rachin is early into the drive and gets beaten on the outside edge.

On a nagging length, on off, KW glides it down to deep third for one more.

Ngidi returns to the attack! Comes from over the wicket and serves it full, on middle, Rachin plays it with a straight bat to long on for a single.

Short and on off, punched wide of cover for a single by Rachin.

On the pads, on a nagging length, Kane flicks it through square leg for a single.

FOUR! Smart batting! Fired in, on a nagging length, on off, Kane brings out the reverse sweep and hits it through short third for a boundary.

In the air....but lands safely! Slower through the air, on a nagging length, Kane skips down the track to go up and over on the leg side. He is deceived in the flight and fails to get to the pitch of the ball. Skies it up towards deep mid-wicket but it falls in front of the rushing deep fielder. Two runs taken and that takes Kane to his FIFTY! Back-to-back half-centuries for Williamson.

Angling into the pads, on a length, RR turns it through square leg for a run.

Pushed through, at the pads, Kane tucks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Tossed up, on off, Rachin blocks it out.

Slows it down, fuller and on off, Kane backs away and drives it to wide long off for a single.

SIX! Lovely use of the feet! Sliding on with the arm from around the wicket, Kane skips down the track and makes use of the angle. Swipes it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Sees the batter backing away does Maharaj and fires it outside off, KW lets it be.

Shorter and on middle, Rachin punches it down to long on for a single.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary! Floated up from over the wicket, on a nagging length, around off, Rachin dances down the track to go down the ground. Fails to get to the pitch of the ball but still swings through the line. Gets an outside edge that beats the keeper Heinrich Klaasen to his left and it races away.

Pushed through, on a nagging length, on middle, Kane reverse sweeps it straight to short third.

Drops it short, on off, Rachin rocks back and punches it past cover. Rassie van der Dussen is quick across the turf in the deep and slides to his left to prevent the boundary. Three runs taken.

Fired in, short and on off, Rachin pushes it to cover.

Short and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket.

Slower and turning into the pads, Kane reaches out in front for the reverse but he is early into the shot and wears it on the body.

Full, on middle, Kane Williamson taps it to cover.

Tossed up, on middle and off, Kane Williamson takes a step out and drives it to long off for one. 13 runs come off this over.

Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra works it to deep cover for one.

SIX! BANG! Rachin Ravindra has switched gears and how! Tossed up, on middle, Rachin jumps down the track yet again and pumps it over long on for six more.

FOUR! Much-needed boundary for the Kiwis! Floated full, on off, Rachin Ravindra skips down the track and hits it through the line past long on for a boundary.

Quicker one, on off, Rachin steps out and looks to drag it across but miscues it off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on off, Kane Williamson steps out and lofts it in front of long off for a single.

Slower and fuller, on middle, KW works it to long on for one more.

Darted in, on middle, eased to long on for a single by Rachin.

Full and on off, driven to cover.

Pushed through, short and on off, Rachin hangs back and defends it out.

Short and on off, Rachin keeps it out.

Starts with a full delivery, on middle, Kane eases the drive to long on for a run.

Aiden Markram comes into the attack now.

Beaten! Pushed through, around off, on a good length, Rachin looks to guide it wide of short third but misses.

Speared into the pads, Kane pushes it to long on and gets to the other end.

On a nagging length, on middle, Kane steers it to backward point.

On off, on a length, knocked down to long on for one.

More loop on this one, on off, Kane drives it to long off and turns the strike over.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Kane reaches out in front to go inside out. Miscues it off the inner half over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Dug in short, on middle, Kane swivels for the pull but gets an inside edge onto the midriff. A single is taken as the ball rolls towards square leg.

In the channel on off, Kane pushes it to mid off.

Serves it on a short of a good length, driven on the up to deep cover for another single.

On middle and leg, on a nagging length, Kane steps out and runs it down to deep third for a run.

This is on a back of a length, on middle, Rachin pats it to long on for one more.

On a length, into the pads, swatted to deep backward square leg for one.

And again! Short and sliding into the pads, Rachin wrists it to mid-wicket.

Turning into the pads, on the shorter side, Rachin works it to mid-wicket.

Drags the length back and this goes straight on, on off, Rachin looks to turn it away. Gets a soft leading edge back to Keshav.

FOUR! In the gap! Very full, looped up, on off, Rachin drills it to the right of mid off for a boundary.

Slows it down, on a nagging length, on middle, Rachin clips it to mid-wicket.

Short and on off, punched back to the bowler by Rachin.

Goes fuller now, and on the fourth stump, Kane comes forward and drives it to mid off.

Hard length, around off, Rachin looks to cut but gets a thick inside edge that goes past the stumps towards square leg and they take a single.

Nagging length, around off, Ravindra nudges it to mid on.

Back of a length, around middle and leg, Kane uses his wrists to turn it towards deep fine leg for a single.

On a good length, and outside off, Williamson pats it down to backward point.

Hard length, from around the wicket, on middle, Kane Williamson hangs back and looks to flick it but gets a leading edge to the right of the bowler.

Change? Yes, Marco Jansen (4-0-30-0) comes back into the attack.

Keeps it shorter and outside off, Kane Williamson stays on the back foot and cuts it to deep cover for a single. Kane gets to 19,000 runs in international cricket. Another feather in the cap for the Kiwi stalwart.

Nagging length, around off, Kane Williamson chops it out towards cover.

Fuller again, around off, Rachin flicks it to long on for a single.

Floated up, around middle, Ravindra sweeps it but straight to short fine leg.

Much slower through the air, around middle, Rachin comes down the track and looks to flick it but misses and gets hit on the front pad.

Tossed up, around off, Ravindra defends it back to the bowler.

Leg bye! Dragged length, but on the pads, Ravindra misses his flick as the ball brushes his back pad and goes towards deep fine leg. He takes a single for leg bye where Kagiso Rabada cuts it off from short fine leg. 15 runs off this over.

FOUR! CLASS WRITTEN ON IT! Mulder lands it slightly fuller, around off, Rachin Ravindra leans on a bit and drives it to the left of the bowler for another boundary.

FOUR! AUTHORITATIVE! Mulder bowls it on a back of a length and a touch slower, around middle, Rachin Ravindra just transfers his weight to the front foot and hammers it over mid-wicket for a boundary. He is opening up now.

Hard length and touch outside off, Williamson drags it to square leg for a single. 100 up for New Zealand.

On a good length, around leg, Ravindra tucks it towards square leg for a single.

FOUR! RACHIN RAVINDRA GETS HIS FIFTY! A classy knock from the youngster in a semi-final. Back of a length, around leg, Rachin Ravindra swivels and pulls it along the ground to deep fine leg for a boundary to complete his milestone. He just needs to convert this into a big one now. This boundary also brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Dragged length and touch outside off, Kane pats it down towards backward point again.

Nagging length, around off, Williamson dabs it towards backward point.

Fuller, around off and middle, Rachin Ravindra comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single.

Flighted up, around off, Rachin defends it back to the bowler.

Floated up, around off, much slower through the air, Kane Williamson strides forward and drives it with soft hands to sweeper cover for a single.

Tossed up but on the pads, easy for Ravindra as he goes on his knee and sweeps it out to deep backward square leg for a single.

First signs of spin as Keshav Maharaj comes into the attack now.

Fuller again, around middle, Rachin leans on and uses his wrists to flick it to long on for a single.

Goes fuller now, around off, Ravindra turns it to mid-wicket off the front foot.

Back of a length, around middle, Rachin Ravindra presses back and pulls it along the ground wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Touch full, on the pads, Ravindra flicks it but straight to mid-wicket.

Hard length, around off, Williamson pats it down towards gully and runs off for a quick single. Good running between the wickets by both batters.

A low full toss, well outside off, Kane Williamson gets his bat down and jams it out.

DRINKS BREAK! New Zealand started cautiously but did well to accelerate before slowing down slightly after Will Young's dismissal. They've maintained a steady rate but will want to switch gears now. South African pacers haven't quite hit their marks consistently, failing to create enough chances or test the batters. Their fielding, however, has been top-notch thus far. The pitch looks good for batting, but disciplined bowling could still reap rewards. For the Kiwis, Rachin Ravindra has looked in fine touch, and with Kane Williamson at the other end, they'll be eyeing a solid partnership to set the platform for a strong finish in these crucial middle overs.

Slightly fuller, and outside off, Williamson runs it down to deep third for a single.

On a good length, well outside off, Kane Williamson looks to punch it but gets it through the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

Hard length, around middle and leg, Kane Williamson tucks it towards deep backward square leg for another couple of runs.

Drags his length a bit, around middle and off, Kane Williamson presses back and pulls it along the ground wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

FOUR! CLASS ACT! Rabada goes fuller but on the pads, drifting a bit, easy for Kane Williamson as he leans and times his flick shot in the gap towards mid-wicket for a boundary.

From around the wicket, on a length, around off, Ravindra cuts it off the front foot to deep point for a single.

Mulder errs and bowls it on the pads, on a length, Kane Williamson transfers his weight to the front foot and nudges it wide of deep fine leg for a couple of runs to end the over.

WIDE! A bouncer well above the head, Kane Williamson ducks under it. Called a wide.

On a good length, around off, Rachin chips it towards mid on and runs off for a quick single.

FOUR! WOW! HAMMERED! Back of a length, around middle, Rachin Ravindra presses forward a bit and thumps it over mid-wicket for a boundary. A welcome boundary for New Zealand.

Hard length, just outside off, Kane guides it to deep third for a single.

Nagging length, around off, Williamson uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and adjusts in the end to defend it into the deck as the bowler drags his length a bit.

Pitches up, around middle, Rachin Ravindra shows the full face of the bat to drive it wide of mid on. Lungi Ngidi does well to slide in to his right and restricts the batter to just a single.

A MAIDEN! Bangs in short of a length, around leg, angling in, Kane Williamson swivels and looks to pull it but gets it through the gloves. The ball goes to the left of the keeper who stops it and prevents Kane Williamson from stealing a single there.

A bumper to follow, around middle, Kane Williamson ducks under it.

Just short! Slower one from Rabada, back of a length, around off, Kane Williamson hops up a bit and chips it out uppishly. The ball almost carries to the mid on fielder where Keshav Maharaj tries to go for it but it drops short of him. Does well to have his body behind the ball and keep it down to a dot.

Hard length, around off, Kane Williamson drops it down towards cover for no run.

Dragged length, on the fourth stump, Kane defends it solidly.

A bit slower and outside off, on a length, Williamson comes forward and drives it on the up to cover.

Keeps it fuller and outside off this time, Kane runs it down to deep third for a single to end the over.

Goes fuller now, from over the wicket, around middle, Kane Williamson blocks it out to mid-wicket.

Back of a length, angling in, around middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra wrists it again but uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Hard length, around off, Rachin Ravindra uses his wrists to nudge it wide of mid on for a couple of runs.

Nagging length, around off, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and drives it but straight to mid off.

Angling into the batter, around middle, on a length, Rachin Ravindra dabs it with open bat face to backward point.

Wiaan Mulder comes into the attack now. Replaces Lungi Ngidi!

On a hard length, around off, Rachin Ravindra opens the face of the bat and steers it towards third man for a single to end the over.

Goes fuller now, around off, Kane nudges it towards square leg for a single off the front foot.

FOUR! EDGED AND BOUNDARY! Rabada angles into the batter, around off, on a length, Kane Williamson looks to open the face of the bat and guide it but gets it finer than he would have liked, more off the edge The ball beats the diving keeper to his right for a boundary.

Hard length, on top of off, Kane Williamson looks to run it down to third man with soft hands but ends up chopping it out into the deck.

Goes slightly fuller, attacking the stumps, Kane Williamson gets squared up and drops it down back to the bowler.

On a good length, and outside off, Rachin Ravindra steers it to deep point for a single off the back foot.

Time for Powerplay 2! South Africa are now allowed 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the end of the 40th over.

FOUR! Threads it through the gap this time! Lungi Ngidi gives width outside off and keeps the length a bit short, Kane Williamson rocks back and punches it past backward point for a boundary to end the over.

David Miller saves a certain boundary! A genuine freebie served well outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson reaches for it and cuts it to the left of point. Miller throws his body across and makes a block. Super fielding!

Offers width outside off, on a length, Kane Williamson cuts it well but Aiden Markram at backward point does even better to make a fine stop.

Full, on off, Kane Williamson presses ahead and taps it to cover.

Full and on off, Kane Williamson with very soft hands blocks it to the off side.

On a length, on the pads, Rachin Ravindra clips it past square leg for a single.

Going across the left-hander, on a nagging length, Rachin pushes at the delivery. Gets an outside edge down to deep third for one.

Very full, angling into middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra plants his front leg ahead and flicks it to short mid-wicket.

On a good length, at the stumps, Rachin Ravindra knocks it to mid off.

On off, on a length, Kane Williamson taps it to cover and takes a single to get off the mark. 50 up for New Zealand!

Nicely bowled! Keeps it a bit fuller than a good length, outside off and gets the ball to skids through, shaping away a bit, Kane Williamson looks to block it with a straight bat but gets beaten on the outside edge.

KG comes into the attack and starts from over the wicket. Hurls it on a good length, over middle and off, Rachin opens the bat face and steers it to deep third for one.

On a length, on off, Kane Williamson blocks.

Kane Williamson comes in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT! Lungi Ngidi provides the first breakthrough for South Africa! After trying their all to drop it short for the first few overs, the bowlers have realized that pace off is the way to go. Lungi Ngidi smartly takes all the pace off and keeps it full, on off, Will Young looks to tonk it straight back over the bowler's head but fails to read the slower ball. Skews it off the bottom half of the bat and straight to Aiden Markram at mid off. Will Young departs for 21 (23) and New Zealand lose their first wicket for 48 runs.

The fielding has been remarkable so far from the Proteas! Short one from Ngidi on off, Will Young pumps it off the backfoot to the left of cover. Ryan Rickelton dives to make a fine stop.

Takes pace off and keeps it on a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra taps it to mid off for one.

Good effort from Kagiso Rabada to save a run for his side. Ngidi goes full and just outside off, Will Young shuffles across, gets inside the line and flicks it past mid on to his right. Rabada chases the ball and slides to pull it back in. The batters take three runs.

Good length, at the stumps, Will Young blocks it.

FOUR! Three boundaries in the over and New Zealand have started to kick on nicely! Jansen keeps it on a back of a length, over off, Rachin Ravindra shifts his weight back this time and punches it through covers for another boundary.

FOUR! Rachin Ravindra is putting on a show of delightful strokes! Jansen angles it into the pads, on a length, Rachin brings his bottom hand into play and wrists it neatly past mid on to his left for four more.

On a length, on off, Rachin taps it to cover.

FOUR! All class! Short of a good length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets on top of the bounce while pressing ahead a bit and thumps it through covers for a boundary.

Full and outside off, Will Young drives it firmly to the left of mid off. Temba Bavuma dives to that side and makes a good stop to keep it down to just the one.

Short of a length, on middle, Rachin tucks it in front of mid on for a single.

Angles it in, on a length, on off with some pace taken off, Will Young chips it just in front of mid on.

Drops it short and on off, Young dabs it out to point.

On a length, on the pads, a bit slower as well, Rachin Ravindra tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Good length, on middle, Rachin Ravindra taps it to cover.

Fuller and on the pads, Rachin Ravindra looks to flick but is a bit too late on the shot. The ball brushes his pads and goes behind to the keeper to his right.

Back of a length, on off and middle, Rachin Ravindra blocks it down to mid off.

FOUR! The short-ball ploy isn't seeming to trouble both these batters at the moment. Short and on off, Will Young rolls his wrists over the ball to keep the pull shot all along the ground behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Nice fielding from Rassie van der Dussen! Jansen drops it short and on middle, Rachin Ravindra pulls it hard to the left of square leg where van der Dussen dives and makes a stop to keep it down to just a single.

On a length, outside off, Will Young guides it to deep third for a single.

Fuller and outside off, Will Young pushes it to cover.

Good length, attacking the stumps, Will Young defends it.

On a length, on middle and leg, stays a tad low, Will Young clips it to deep backward square leg and takes a couple of runs.

FOUR! Glorious! The margin for error in lines is the bare minimum when bowling to somebody as sound as Rachin Ravindra! Ngidi errs a bit and serves it onto the pads, on a length, and Rachin times his flick through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Good length, on middle, Rachin brings his bat ahead and stabs it down the deck.

Angles it in, on a length, on off, Will Young opens the bat face just a bit and steers it to short third for a single.

Hard length, skidding through a bit on off, Will Young hops back and drops his bat on the ball to keep it out.

Corrects his line and brings it into the stumps, on a length, Will Young blocks it out.

FOUR! Superb timing! Ngidi offers width outside off and pays the price. Keeps it on a length and Young drives it neatly through point and gully for four runs.

FOUR! Absolutely crunched! Jansen digs it short of a length, over middle, Rachin Ravindra is way too quick to read the length and nails his pull, square of the wicket on the leg side for his first boundary.

On a length, on off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it to backward point.

Length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra gets enough width on offer and caresses his drive to the left of David Miller at cover. Miller gets his hands to it and slows it down considerably for the other fielder to chase back and keep it down to two.

Hits the deck hard again, does Jansen, on a short of a good length, over middle and off, Rachin Ravindra dabs it to backward point.

Angles it into the left-hander on a good length, on middle, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to cover.

Short of a length, banged in a bit more, just outside off, Rachin Ravindra drops his wrists and lets it pass.

On a length, around off, Young punches it to cover.

Ngidi goes back to fuller-length delivery, at the stumps, Will Young pushes it to cover.

FOUR! The first boundary of the game, and it immediately brings hands on heads for the Proteas. On a back of a length, outside off, Will Young goes after it with hard hands and gets a thick outside edge that flies over Marco Jansen's reach at first slip for four runs.

Fuller again, on off, Young drives it neatly but straight to mid off.

Ngidi goes very full and slants it into the pads, Young flicks it to mid-wicket.

Starts from over the wicket and hits the deck on a length, just outside off, Will Young gets some room to free his arms and works it to cover.

Lungi Ngidi will steam in with the other new ball from the opposite end.

Fine first over from Marco Jansen! Just the two runs off it. Lands it on a length, outside off, Rachin Ravindra lets it pass.

Perfect line and length, right over middle, Rachin Ravindra watchfully drops it down the pitch.

WIDE! Drifts this one down leg, on a length, with a hint of shape coming into the batter, Rachin Ravindra tries to tickle it fine but plays well inside the line and misses.

Lovely delivery! Jansen drops it very short and attacks the head of the batter. Rachin Ravindra sways away from the line.

Jansen serves this full and on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra clips it well to mid-wicket.

Hits the deck hard, on a good length, just around the off stump line, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and dabs it down the deck.

Will Young and New Zealand are underway! Marco Jansen steams in from over the wicket and hurls it on a length, into the pads, Will Young tucks it to fine leg and takes a run to start the game.

The national anthems are done, and it's time for the second semi-final to get underway! Temba Bavuma leads his troops onto the field as New Zealand's opening pair, the left-hand-right-hand duo of Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, stride out to the middle. Marco Jansen will open the attack for the Proteas. Young will face the first ball. A slip and a leg slip in place. A slight delay due to an issue with the white-coloured boards over the sightscreen. The black cloth covering them is flapping in the breeze, and Young wants it fully secured. Glenn Phillips steps up and swiftly sorts it out. All set now. Here we go!

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Pakistan’s javelin throw Olympic gold medalist from 2024, Arshad Nadeem, will place the trophy on the pedestal. Up next, Temba Bavuma and Mitchell Santner will lead their teams out for the national anthems. It will be New Zealand's first, followed by that of South Africa.

Rachin Ravindra is in for a chat. He says he likes to keep things simple, and no matter how big the occasion is, he likes to stick to the basics while enjoying cricket. Adds that he tries to keep up the consistency, and the good performances kind of come along, which is always nice for the team's cause. States that the Proteas are a strong team, and with bowlers like Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, they will come hard, and that's the speciality of playing these big games. Concludes that with the consistency that the South African bowling unit has, they will want to just watch the ball and react to it, which should do well for him and the team.

Kagiso Rabada is up for a quick chat. He says that obviously it is a big game and that’s what they play for. Adds that they understand the magnitude of the game and just want to follow the process and enjoy the moments. Mentions that it is just understanding the conditions and reacting accordingly. Adds that nothing really changes when you play in another country, but it is all about adjustments and nuances. States that the only thing they can control is how they execute plans, and he is feeling calm. Mentions that the sun is out and the weather looks pretty good for him. He says that this set of players have been playing together since the transition phase of 201,9 and the guys are more experienced now, and they are confident and want to do good on the field.

The captain of South Africa, Temba Bavuma says that they are not concerned about losing the toss but would have batted first as well. Feels that they need to do a good job with both bat and ball. Shares that he is feeling much better. Mentions that there are learnings from other editions where they reached semi-finals and finals but weren't able to get over the line. Adds that he just wants to win those key moments and he doesn’t want to do anything different at this juncture and just stick to what they have been doing so far. Says that they are confident going into this game. Informs that him coming back into the side is their only change for this game.

Mitchell Santner, the skipper of New Zealand says it's a used wicket that looks good and with the wind around he looks forward to seeing how it plays out. Mentions that they as a team have played a few times in this condition and everybody knows what to expect. Adds that South Africa are a strong side and they will have to play well. Informs they go unchanged into this game.

New Zealand (Unchanged Playing XI) - Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (WK), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (C), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, Will O'Rourke.

South Africa (Playing XI) - Temba Bavuma (C) (In for Tristan Stubbs), Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.

TOSS - New Zealand have won the toss and they will BAT first.

PITCH REPORT - Bazid Khan is near the deck. He mentions that it is a beautiful day for cricket and a gentle breeze is blowing across the ground. Dale Steyn joins him and he says that the pitch looks flat and hard with a fresh coating of grass, which could allow the ball to skid on. With three of the tallest bowlers in world cricket featuring in this game, Steyn is eager to see if there’s extra bounce on offer. While the surface seems batter-friendly, he believes there will be something in it for the bowlers as well.

In case you missed it, earlier today, Steve Smith announced his retirement from ODIs following Australia’s exit last night, where he led a new-look side admirably throughout the tournament. A two-time ODI World Cup winner with 170 appearances in the format for Australia, Smith felt it was the right time to step aside and pave the way for the next generation ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup. However, he will continue to represent Australia in Tests and T20Is, having also expressed his desire to compete in the 2028 Olympic Games.

The pitch is again expected to be good for batters, with high-scoring matches being the norm. Australia chased down 352 against England at this very venue, while England themselves nearly overhauled Afghanistan's 325. Given the trend, the captain winning the toss might lean towards batting second, but in a high-pressure knockout game, will they want to take on the added challenge of chasing? We are in for a thrilling contest, with both teams evenly matched. Don’t go anywhere as the toss and playing XI aren’t far away!

South Africa have come agonisingly close to ending their long wait for an ICC trophy, with heartbreaks in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-final and the 2024 T20 World Cup final. Now, they find themselves on the brink once again. They have been one of the most balanced sides in the tournament, boasting a strong batting unit. Arguably the most feared batter in the world right now, Heinrich Klaasen returned in their last game and showed his class with a brilliant fifty. Aiden Markram has cleared his fitness test for this knockout game, ensuring South Africa can field their full-strength XI. However, their biggest concern remains their ability to handle pressure in crunch moments, a challenge they will need to overcome if they want to advance to the final.

New Zealand have been a well-rounded unit, with both their batting and bowling clicking at the right time. However, they face a selection dilemma ahead of this crucial clash. Daryl Mitchell, who missed the game against Bangladesh due to illness, returned for the match against India, replacing Devon Conway. The team must decide whom to leave out if they wish to bring Conway back into the XI. Their batting has been in fine form. Apart from Conway and Mitchell, every other batter has registered at least one fifty-plus score in the tournament. With the ball, their skipper Mitchell Santner will have to lead from the front. 

Hello and welcome to a high-stakes clash as South Africa and New Zealand battle it out in the second semi-final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Both teams have been strong contenders for the title, and their journey to this stage has been well-earned. However, only one can take the next step and book a spot in the title clash, where India await after their victory over Australia in Dubai yesterday.

... MATCH DAY ...

Locked and loaded. The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 second semifinal is about to kick off with South Africa and New Zealand battling it out for a spot in the big dance! It's been quite the journey for both squads, who've been racking up some serious frequent flier miles. The Proteas had that crucial 18-hour Dubai layover after their last pool game, just in case they ended up facing India in the semis. And the Kiwis? It's the same deal – they flew all the way to Dubai to play India for their last league match, only to turn around and head back to Lahore for this knockout match. Now they're finally settling in at Gaddafi Stadium, ready to duke it out. Talk about cricket travel chaos. New Zealand enters this high-stakes clash on the back of a defeat to India, but with a silver lining, their recent tri-series win over South Africa at this very venue will surely boost their confidence. While the loss to India in a dead-rubber game doesn’t carry much weight, it did offer the Kiwis a valuable preview of the Dubai conditions, a knowledge that could prove crucial if they meet India again in the final. The biggest positive from that game was Kane Williamson’s return to form at the perfect moment. After a quiet start to the tournament, the stalwart stepped up with a classy 81, reminding everyone why he’s the heartbeat of this side. With the bat in hand, New Zealand looks formidable. Tom Latham, Will Young, and Rachin Ravindra have already notched centuries in the tournament, showcasing a batting unit that’s thriving in these conditions. In Pakistani-like pitches, where runs flow more freely, the Kiwis seem to have found their rhythm. With the ball, New Zealand has been nothing short of impressive. One of their standout moments came when they restricted India to a sub-par total, showcasing their ability to step up when it matters most. Matt Henry has been a model of consistency, leading the pace attack with precision, while Will O’Rourke has provided solid support, making them a formidable pair. In the spin department, the duo of Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell has been instrumental, delivering economical spells that have kept opposition batters in check. What’s truly remarkable is their ability to contain teams to under 260 in batting-friendly conditions. And let’s not forget their fielding, which has always been their biggest positive. Glenn Phillips, in particular, has once again been a highlight reel, pulling off stunning acrobatics, including those jaw-dropping catches to dismiss Virat Kohli and Babar Azam. He’s been a livewire in the inner ring, turning half-chances into game-changing moments. Overall, they pack a serious punch when it comes to the big events. But so do the Proteas, isn’t it? South Africa is making its third straight deep run in ICC events. After coming up short in the T20 World Cup 2024 final, they've got two more shots at glory this year - the ongoing Champions Trophy and the WTC Final later on. They're looking formidable heading into this match after decisively beating England. While their Australia game got washed out, they've been impressive in their two completed league matches. Like New Zealand, South Africa's batting lineup is clicking across the board. Rickelton has notched a century, while the middle order has been rock solid. Markram and van der Dussen have consistently delivered, with van der Dussen posting back-to-back fifties. Then there's Heinrich Klaasen - missed the opener with a minor injury, but his return adds serious firepower to their batting. His explosive 64 further strengthens an already dangerous middle order that includes David Miller. When it comes to their bowling, South Africa’s pace attack has been as reliable as ever, with Kagiso Rabada leading the charge and the rest of the quicks perfectly in sync. They’ve kept things tight and aggressive, just as you’d expect from the Proteas. On the spin front, they’ve kept it simple with Keshav Maharaj as their lone frontline spinner, which could still be a handy option, especially on surfaces that favor pace. Now, let’s talk about Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. It’s been a paradise for batters! This ground has been a run-fest so far, with players swinging freely and big scores becoming the norm. In the two full games played here, the 300-run mark has been smashed not once, but twice, that too, in both innings of those matches. Remember Australia’s epic chase of 356 against England? Or England falling just 8 runs short while chasing 326 against Afghanistan? The pitch has already seen four centurions in just two games, proving it’s not just a batting paradise but also a ground where chasing feels like a real possibility. So, as South Africa gears up for this clash, they’ll know the conditions are ripe for runs. But with their pace battery firing and Maharaj’s spin in the mix, they’ll back themselves to keep the Kiwis in check. But guess what? New Zealand have looked equally threatening as well. Can the winners of 2000 and runners up of 2009, New Zealand, weave some magic this time around, or will the inaugural champions of 1998, South Africa, write the script of glory? With with two evenly matched sides, who do you think has the edge after all that jet-setting?