South Africa suffered yet another knockout stage heartbreak, falling to New Zealand by 50 runs in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday. Despite a valiant century from David Miller and half-centuries from captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, the Proteas could not chase down New Zealand’s imposing total of 362/6.
This loss adds to South Africa’s history of semifinal defeats, including their exit from the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup and a narrow seven-run loss to India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 final. Once again, Miller stood tall with a brilliant innings, but his efforts were in vain.
South Africa’s Run Chase Falters
Chasing 363, Ryan Rickelton got off to a brisk start with some boundaries against Matt Henry and Kyle Jamieson. However, his eagerness cost him his wicket as he was caught by Michael Bracewell off Henry for 17 off 12 balls, leaving South Africa at 20/1 in 4.5 overs.
Bavuma and van der Dussen steadied the innings, with Bavuma smashing a six over backward square leg to bring up the 50-run mark in 9.2 overs. Their partnership flourished, reaching a century stand in 17.2 overs. Bavuma reached his seventh ODI fifty in 64 balls, while van der Dussen followed suit, bringing up his 17th ODI half-century.
However, New Zealand struck back in the 23rd over when Mitchell Santner induced an edge from Bavuma, caught by Kane Williamson at backward point for 56 off 71 balls. This ended a crucial 105-run partnership and left South Africa at 125/2. Van der Dussen kept the fight alive but was eventually bowled by Santner for 69 off 66 balls, leaving South Africa at 161/3.
The Kiwi spinners then tightened their grip, with Santner taking his third wicket by dismissing Heinrich Klaasen for just three runs. Rachin Ravindra got rid of Aiden Markram (31 off 29), while Bracewell dismissed Wiaan Mulder for eight, leaving South Africa in deep trouble at 200/6.
Glenn Phillips further dented South Africa’s hopes by removing Marco Jansen (3) and Keshav Maharaj, reducing them to 218/8 in 39.3 overs. Kagiso Rabada and Miller tried to fight back, but Rabada fell to Henry for 16, making it 256/9 in 45.3 overs.
Miller, showing immense resilience, reached his half-century in 46 balls. Though he fought valiantly, smashing boundaries at will, the required run rate was too steep. He completed his century on the final ball but remained unbeaten at 100* off 67 balls, with 10 fours and four sixes, as South Africa fell 50 runs short.
Santner (3/43) was the pick of the bowlers, while Henry and Phillips bagged two wickets each. Ravindra and Bracewell also contributed with one wicket each.
New Zealand’s Dominant Batting Display
Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first. Despite losing Will Young (21 off 23 balls) early, Kane Williamson (102 off 94 balls) and Rachin Ravindra (86) stitched together a 164-run partnership that took New Zealand past the 200-run mark in 32 overs.
Late cameos from Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37 balls) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27 balls) further boosted the total. Their 57-run partnership for the fifth wicket propelled New Zealand past 300 in 45.3 overs, ultimately finishing at 362/6 in their allotted 50 overs.
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi (3/72) and Kagiso Rabada (2/70) were the most successful bowlers, but their efforts were not enough to contain New Zealand’s powerful batting lineup.
South Africa’s Knockout Woes Continue
This defeat prolongs South Africa’s unfortunate history of falling short in ICC knockout games. Their fans will now hope the Proteas can break the jinx in future tournaments. Meanwhile, New Zealand moves on, continuing their impressive run in ICC events.