It’s a new day, and a new record is being set in the Champions Trophy. The New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final clash saw some of the finest power hitting by batters. More than 650 runs were scored, and 3 centuries were made in a single match.
A heartwarming aspect was the runs that were flooding in Lahore. New Zealand batted first, and dominated everyone who came in their way, and so did South Africa. In the end, the game was all about power-hitting right from the start to the end.
Highest Total in Champions Trophy History
Champions Trophy 2025 has been a run fest and there is no denying of the fact. New Zealand has recorded the highest-ever total in the history of the Champions Trophy in the semi-finals.
Fans might be aware but Australia set the highest total record on 22nd February against England in the same ground. Fair to say, Lahore is a run fest for teams with quality batters and lower-order hitters.
Added to that, the New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final saw another unique record. This particular score of 362 was the third-highest score in an ICC event knockout.
Fair to say that New Zealand demolished the well-fancied bowling attack of South Africa. Everybody chipped in with runs from the top order, stability from the middle order, and some powerful finishing from the lower order.
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Feast For The Batters
The New Zealand vs South Africa semi-final took place on the tiring pitch of Lahore. Santner, after winning the toss, decided to bat first and there was no turning back. Will Young was dismissed for 21, and that was it.
Batters started to enjoy the surface after that. Ravindra made his 5th ICC event century while Williamson also added 102 runs of his own. The icing on the cake was performed by Daryl Mitchell, and Glenn Phillips, who went on to make 49 runs each.
This broke the back of the South African pace bowling attack, which never looked settled. Even in the 2nd innings, the Proteas batters seemed to have enjoyed what they saw. Tema Bavuma and Rassie Van Der Dussen both scored half-centuries to provide stability.
However, it was David Miller who scored a brilliant hundred in just 67 balls. He scored 10 fours and 4 sixes during his innings. Easily, the innings was a demolition job, but it never looked enough. South Africa lost by 50 runs, crushing their dream of another finals.
What’s Next For New Zealand?
New Zealand cricket has grown leaps and bounds when we talk about their ICC performances. Their records only get better, as they make it into another ICC event finals.
The opponents, however, will be India. They will be playing the finals in Dubai, which supports a spinning pitch. What works well for New Zealand is the fact that they played India in Dubai during the group-stage match.
Expect a similar amount of turn and bounce with batting being harder in the second innings. Any team that will win the toss will be willing to bat first and put runs. The final will be played on 9th March, 2025.
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