South Africa’s “Chokers” Tag Stays After Defeat, New Zealand to Face India in Champions Trophy Final

The heartbreak continues for South African cricket fans as their team once again stumbled in a high-stakes knockout match. The semi-final of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium saw New Zealand outplay South Africa by 50 runs, sending the Proteas home without a trophy. The Kiwis, led by a remarkable performance from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, booked their place in the final against India, set to take place on March 9 in Dubai.

South Africa’s Semi-Final Struggle

Despite glimpses of brilliance from the South African side, including a valiant century by David Miller, the “chokers” tag continues to haunt them, as they extended their long streak of knockout disappointments in ICC tournaments. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s disciplined approach and clinical execution ensured their spot in yet another final, as they seek to break their 25-year trophy drought.

Match Summary: New Zealand’s Dominance

New Zealand batted first and posted an imposing total of 362 runs in their 50 overs, setting a daunting challenge for the Proteas. Their innings was powered by sensational centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102), who built a strong foundation with a commanding partnership.

In response, South Africa’s chase started well, but their batting lineup crumbled at crucial moments. Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (66) showed promise, but their dismissals led to a middle-order collapse. David Miller fought till the end, scoring an unbeaten 100* on the last ball, but his heroics were in vain. South Africa ended at 312/9, falling short by 50 runs.

Mitchell Santner played a pivotal role with the ball, taking 3 wickets and dismantling South Africa’s hopes. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack ensured they controlled the game even when Miller launched his late assault.

Why South Africa Lost Yet Another Knockout Match

South Africa’s loss wasn’t just about one or two key moments; it was a combination of factors that led to their downfall. Their inability to handle pressure in major tournaments continues to be a glaring issue, and this semi-final was no exception.

1. A Familiar Batting Collapse

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The Proteas have a history of losing wickets in clusters during big games, and this match followed the same script. Their top order started well, with Bavuma and van der Dussen playing responsibly, but once they fell, the middle order failed to build on their momentum. Heinrich Klaasen, who has been a key player for South Africa in recent times, managed only 22 runs before getting dismissed at a crucial juncture.

David Miller’s century was commendable, but it came too late. His unbeaten knock showed his class and fighting spirit, but without support from other batters, it wasn’t enough to pull off the chase.

2. Bowling Woes: Too Many Runs Conceded

South Africa’s bowlers struggled to contain New Zealand’s aggressive batting lineup. Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, two of their key bowlers, leaked runs at an alarming rate. Rabada, known for his ability to deliver in crunch situations, went for 78 runs in his 10 overs without taking a single wicket. Maharaj, their lead spinner, conceded 72 runs, failing to provide the breakthroughs South Africa desperately needed.

Anrich Nortje and Marco Jansen picked up wickets, but they couldn’t stem the flow of runs. With New Zealand crossing 350, the chase became a daunting task, leaving South Africa under immense scoreboard pressure.

3. New Zealand’s Clinical Execution

While South Africa crumbled under pressure, New Zealand executed their plans flawlessly. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson batted with patience and authority, ensuring the Kiwis set a challenging total.

With the ball, Santner’s left-arm spin proved to be the game-changer. His spell of 3/45 not only slowed down South Africa’s scoring rate but also broke key partnerships at the right time. The Kiwi fielding unit was sharp, preventing easy runs and applying pressure throughout the chase.

New Zealand’s Key Performers

1. Rachin Ravindra’s Brilliant Century (108 Runs)

Rachin Ravindra’s-Century Celebration (Getty images )

Ravindra, who has been a rising star in New Zealand cricket, once again delivered when it mattered most. His 108-run knock was a perfect blend of aggression and composure. He took on the South African pacers early on, ensuring New Zealand got off to a flying start. His ability to rotate strike and find boundaries kept the momentum going, setting up a solid platform for the team.

2. Kane Williamson’s Captain’s Knock (102 Runs)

Williamson, known for his calm and tactical approach, played an anchor role in the innings. His 102-run innings was a masterclass in constructing a big total. He formed a crucial partnership with Ravindra, ensuring that New Zealand capitalized on their strong start. His ability to accelerate at the right moments and manipulate the field made it difficult for South African bowlers to find breakthroughs.

3. Mitchell Santner’s Game-Changing Spell (3 Wickets)

Santner’s spell was arguably the turning point in the match. His three wickets not only broke South Africa’s chase but also ensured that the Proteas never got back into the game. His ability to flight the ball and deceive the batters proved invaluable, making him New Zealand’s key weapon in the bowling attack.

The “Chokers” Tag Continues for South Africa

South Africa’s Heartbreak After Defeat

For over two decades, South Africa has carried the unfortunate label of “chokers” due to their repeated failures in ICC tournament knockouts. Since 1998, they have lost 14 knockout matches across World Cups and Champions Trophy tournaments, reinforcing their reputation as a team that struggles under pressure.

This defeat once again highlights their inability to close out big games, despite having one of the strongest teams on paper. The Proteas have consistently produced world-class players, but their mental block in high-pressure situations continues to haunt them.

Previous Heartbreaking Knockout Exits

• 1999 World Cup Semi-Final – The infamous tie against Australia, where South Africa failed to chase a modest target in the final over, leading to their elimination.

• 2015 World Cup Semi-Final – Another heartbreaking loss to New Zealand, with Grant Elliott’s last-over heroics sealing the Proteas’ fate.

• 2019 World Cup Group Stage Exit – A disappointing campaign where they failed to reach the semi-finals despite having a strong squad.

Their latest loss in the 2025 Champions Trophy adds to this painful history, leaving fans frustrated and wondering if South Africa will ever break the curse.

What’s Next? The Final Showdown

With this victory, New Zealand moves on to face India in the Champions Trophy final on March 9 in Dubai.

New Zealand’s Title Drought

New Zealand has consistently been one of the most competitive teams in ICC tournaments but has struggled to lift major trophies. Their last ICC trophy came in 2000 when they won the Champions Trophy. Since then, they have reached multiple finals, including the 2019 World Cup (which they lost on a boundary count to England) and the 2021 T20 World Cup. This time, they are determined to finally break their trophy drought.

India’s Formidable Challenge

India, on the other hand, is in red-hot form, having dominated the tournament with both bat and ball. Their batting lineup, featuring stars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Shubman Gill, has been unstoppable. Their bowling attack, led by Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, has been equally lethal.

New Zealand will have to bring their A-game if they want to outclass India and lift the Champions Trophy. With Dubai’s conditions favoring spin, Santner’s role will once again be crucial in containing India’s batting firepower.

Conclusion: Can New Zealand Make History?

As the cricket world turns its attention to the final, the big question remains: Can New Zealand finally win a major ICC title after 25 years? Or will India continue their dominance and add another trophy to their cabinet?

For South Africa, the journey ends in disappointment once again, with their “chokers” tag growing even heavier. Their fans will hope that someday, their team will finally conquer the ghosts of the past and win a major ICC event.

On March 9, the cricketing world will witness a thrilling clash between two of the best teams in the tournament. Will New Zealand script history, or will India reign supreme? The answer awaits in Dubai!