The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final encounter between New Zealand and South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore has seen high-intensity cricket with the two sides fighting for a final berth. After winning the toss, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner decided to bat first, relying on the batting conditions. The choice yielded dividends as Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson played out their class with magnificent centuries.
But in between the Kiwi supremacy, there were still continued batting woes of Tom Latham. The left-handed veteran made little contribution by getting out on a mere 4 runs on 5 balls. His downfall came in a stroke of genius by South African seamer Kagiso Rabada, who set the ball just right.
Kagiso Rabada bowled a near-immaculate ball at a good length around the middle and off stump, which lured Latham into going for a wayward scoop shot. Bearing his stumps in an effort to outsmart the bowler, Latham utterly misread the delivery, and the ball knocked the stumps, ending his short occupancy at the wicket.
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Though Latham’s failure was a disappointment, New Zealand still achieved a strong total of 362/6 in their 50 overs, thanks to Ravindra and Williamson’s centuries. Their disciplined aggression on a surface that suited stroke play placed the South African bowlers under tremendous pressure.
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During the toss, Santner stressed the need to make the most of known conditions. “Looks a good wicket, a surface that has been used but with the wind about, there can’t be too much dew. It’s a privilege to represent the country, and we know what to face here. Same team for us. Our last match (India) was in foreign conditions, but now we have a tough side in familiar conditions, and we hope to put pressure on South Africa,” he said.
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Meanwhile, South African captain Temba Bavuma, who returned to the XI after recovering from illness, remained optimistic despite losing the toss. “We weren’t too concerned about the toss. Would’ve preferred to bat first and apply scoreboard pressure, but we’ll now focus on starting well with the ball. Knockout games are about identifying key moments and executing our plans confidently,” he remarked.
With a huge score on the board, the pressure now shifts to South Africa to launch a stern reply in this high-pressure meeting.
