New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs to secure their place in the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy in Lahore on Wednesday. Powered by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, New Zealand posted a record total of 362, the highest-ever score in Champions Trophy history.

Despite a valiant unbeaten century from South Africa’s David Miller, New Zealand’s all-round performance, led by skipper Mitchell Santner’s 3/43, helped them defend the total. South Africa, chasing 363, could only manage 312/7 in their 50 overs.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat first. After the early loss of Will Young, Ravindra and Williamson took control of the innings, bringing up dominant centuries. Their partnership sliced through the South African attack as they put on a show of aggression, leaving the bowlers with no answers in the middle overs.

Kagiso Rabada briefly revived South Africa’s hopes with two wickets, but Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips added quick runs towards the end, propelling New Zealand to a massive 362.

South Africa’s chase started well with a 105-run partnership between skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, both of whom scored fifties. However, once both were dismissed by Santner, South Africa’s innings faltered, and they struggled to build partnerships. Miller’s century came in a losing cause, as he remained unbeaten on 100 off 67 balls.

New Zealand will now face India in the final on March 9 in a rematch of their group-stage encounter.