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New Zealand advanced to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 championship match against India, which is scheduled for March 9 in Dubai, after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the semifinal. Earlier in the event, India had defeated New Zealand in the group stages.
India and New Zealand haven’t faced each other in a Champions Trophy final since 2000. The Champions Trophy was renamed the ICC Knock-Out trophy in 2000.
New Zealand chose to bat first and amassed a massive 362/6 because to the flowing hundreds of Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. In response, South Africa scored 312/9 in 50 overs, even though David Miller scored an undefeated century.
The Proteas seemed to be on course in the initial part of their run chase but they stumbled later on, losing wickets in the middle overs, to eventually lose their way. Captain Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) also struck half centuries but those were not enough.
Mitchell Santner (3/43) was the most successful bowler for New Zealand with three wickets, while Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry also chipped in with two each.
Earlier, Rachin Ravindra produced a 101-ball 108-run knock that was laced with 13 fours and a six, while Kane Williamson smashed 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two maximums. Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49 not out) provided the fireworks in the slog overs.
How did the ICC Knock-Out Trophy Final between India and New Zealand go?
Then-captain Sourav Ganguly led India to 264/6 in 50 overs with a spectacular 117. The match took place in Nairobi. In response, New Zealand won the match by four wickets with two balls remaining after riding on Chris Cairns’ 102 not out to an undefeated century. That was the only Champions Trophy victory in New Zealand’s history.
