New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs in Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
New Zealand totalled 362 for six after centuries from batsman Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi took three wickets.
South Africa replied with 312 for nine after a century from batsman David Miller – and half-centuries from batsmen Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen.
Miller hit 100 not out from 67 deliveries. This is the seventh century of his ODI career – and first against New Zealand.
This is the fifth time the Proteas have exited the Champions Trophy at the semi-final stage. It happened in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2013 as well.
They have five Cricket World Cup semi-final defeats, too – in 1992, 1999, 2003, 2015 and 2023.
The Proteas have also lost two T20 World Cup semi-finals – in 2009 and 2014.
South Africa won the inaugural Champions Trophy title in 1998. The tournament was called the ICC KnockOut Trophy at the time.
South Africa have never reached a Cricket World Cup final, but lost the 2024 T20 World Cup final to India.
New Zealand will meet India in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final in Dubai. India beat Australia in the first semi-final.
“Well done to captain Temba Bavuma, head coach Rob Walter and the entire squad as well as all the support staff on their efforts at the 2025 Champions Trophy,” said Cricket South Africa chief executive officer Pholetsi Moseki.
“Qualifying for the semi-final in such a demanding tournament is a testament to the hard work put in both on and off the field.
“This past achievement marks a third consecutive semi-final appearance for the men’s team at International Cricket Council events to go with their T20 World Cup final appearance in 2024.
“The team continues to show signs of encouragement and improvement ahead of an important 20 months in the lead-up to the Cricket World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027.”
South Africa will contest the World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in London, England, later this year. Australia also exited the Champions Trophy at the semi-final stage this week.
“Our team will now look to begin their preparation for the ICC World Test Championship final at Lord’s against Australia in June,” added Moseki.
“This will provide the team with another chance to claim an ICC title and potentially reclaim the top spot in the ICC Test rankings for the first time since 2016.”
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