WATCH: Rachin Ravindra and Kane Willimson's stellar centuries lead New Zealand to finals in Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand have booked their spot in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 finals alongside India, scheduled on March 9 in Dubai. In a one-sided game, the Kiwis defeated South Africa by 50 runs to advance to the finals. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson slammed a ton in the first innings, helping New Zealand score 362 runs. It was a huge target for the Proteas to chase in a high-intensity game. 

It was New Zealand’s decision to bat first after winning the toss. Lahore’s pitch favours the batters more, and that's the reason why the bowlers didn't find any movement with the ball. Will Young and Rachin Ravindra gave a good start to the game in the powerplays. However, after Young’s wicket, Williamson and Ravindra formed a brilliant partnership, helping the Kiwis to score a big total. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips both stayed at 49, but the former was out, and the latter was unbeaten. 

For South Africa, David Miller scored an unbeaten century but couldn't take his team home. Even Rassie van der Dussen scored 69 runs and captain Temba Bavuma scored 56 runs. They tried their best to win the game but due to lack of support from the middle order batters, South Africa lost the game. 

It's always great to contribute to the team: Rachin Ravindra

For playing a stunning inning, Rachin Ravindra was awarded the Player of the Match trophy. He scored 108 runs in 101 balls, including 13 boundaries and one six. He will look forward to playing in the same manner in the upcoming game as well. 

Also Watch: Rachin Ravindra and Will Young flay South African bowlers to give New Zealand great start in second Semi-final of CT 2025

“It's always great to contribute to the team, an emphatic victory at the semi-final stage, and it's very pleasing. I didn't start as well as I wanted, Marco (Jansen) and Lungi (Ngidi) bowled well, once I got going, partnerships with Young and Kane, it started working for me, partnerships with those two, going with the ebbs and flows of the game, the two helped me get going,” said Rachin Ravindra.