New Zealand’s dominance in the semifinal was a testament to their consistency and determination. The brilliance of Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra provided them with a significant advantage, setting the stage for a potential triumph in the Champions Trophy
With the final against India looming, the Blackcaps would be eager to carry this momentum forward and secure their place in cricketing history.
Kane Williamson’s century in the Champions Trophy semifinal was more than just an individual milestone; it was a statement of intent.
His class, temperament, and unwavering commitment to New Zealand cricket continue to set him apart as one of the game’s finest.
As he marches forward, breaking records and leading his team with grace, Williamson’s legacy as one of the greatest cricketers of his generation remains firmly intact.
Also Read:Â Ben Duckett: Former Cricketer Calls Out His Comments Before India Showdown
Table of Contents
Kane Williamson: New Zealand into the Champions Trophy Final
A Century to Remember: Williamson Shines in Lahore
Kane Williamson once again proved why he is one of the finest batters in modern-day cricket by delivering a spectacular century against South Africa in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.1
Playing at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on March 5, Williamson displayed his class and composure, scoring a brilliant 102 off 94 balls.
His knock, laced with two towering sixes and ten exquisite boundaries, was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to a competitive total.
Consistency at Its Best: Three Consecutive Tons Against South Africa
With this remarkable century, Williamson notched up his third consecutive ODI hundred against South Africa. His impeccable record against the Proteas underlines his ability to perform against strong bowling attacks in pressure situations.
This ton was also his 15th in ODI cricket, further cementing his legacy as one of New Zealand’s greatest batters.
Surpassing a Milestone: 19,000 International Runs
Williamson’s innings in Lahore was not just another masterclass in batting; it also etched his name into cricket’s record books.
During his 102-run knock, the Kiwi skipper became the first New Zealand cricketer to surpass 19,000 international runs across all formats.
This feat placed him in an elite club of just 16 cricketers who have reached this milestone in the history of the game. Such an achievement reflects his longevity, consistency, and sheer brilliance across formats.
The Art of Anchoring: How Williamson Controlled the Innings
One of the most remarkable aspects of Williamson’s innings was the way he anchored the New Zealand innings amidst challenging conditions.
South Africa’s formidable bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, posed a significant threat. However, Williamson tackled them with remarkable patience, precision, and technique.
His ability to find gaps, rotate the strike, and accelerate when needed played a crucial role in maintaining New Zealand’s momentum.
Kane Williamson: Fans Shower Praise on Social Media
As soon as Williamson reached his century, fans took to social media to celebrate his incredible achievement.2
Cricket enthusiasts and analysts alike hailed his temperament and ability to deliver in knockout matches. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
Kane Williamson brings up a magnificent century! He has been in superb form, anchoring the innings with his trademark elegance and composure. A masterclass in batting from one of the finest in the game!
Another fan praised his classical style:
Kane Williamson is a truly classical batsman, scoring a commendable century against South Africa in the second semifinal match of ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
A third user kept it simple yet powerful:
100 for Kane Williamson. What a player.
Leading by Example: Williamson’s Impact on New Zealand Cricket
Beyond individual brilliance, Williamson’s knock exemplifies his leadership qualities. As captain, he has always led from the front, guiding his team through challenging situations.
His ability to remain calm under pressure and inspire confidence in his teammates has been a defining trait of his leadership.
This century not only boosted New Zealand’s chances in the semifinal but also instilled a sense of belief within the squad ahead of the final.
A History of Big-Game Performances
Kane Williamson has built a reputation as a big-match player. From his heroics in the 2019 World Cup final to his stellar performances in the ICC tournaments over the years, he has consistently risen to the occasion when it matters the most.
His ability to adapt to different conditions, read the game situation, and construct innings with precision makes him one of the most dependable batsmen in world cricket.
With this crucial victory over South Africa, New Zealand has booked their spot in the Champions Trophy final. The Kiwis will now face either India or England, depending on the outcome of the other semifinal.
As the team prepares for the summit clash, Williamson’s form will be crucial in determining their fate. Given his track record in high-stakes matches, fans will be hoping for another masterclass from their captain in the final.
Also Read:Â Nathan Ellis (Cricket): Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Wife, Personal Life and Brand Promotion
Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra’s CenturiesÂ
A Commanding Display by New Zealand’s Top Order
New Zealand put on a batting masterclass in the 2025 Champions Trophy semifinal against South Africa, with Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra leading the charge.3
Their remarkable centuries helped the Blackcaps establish dominance over the Proteas, placing them in a strong position to advance to the final.
Their stellar performances came at a crucial juncture in the tournament, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure and deliver when it matters most.
The winner of this high-stakes encounter would go on to face India in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. Rohit Sharma’s team had already booked their spot by defeating Australia in the other semifinal.
India’s thrilling four-wicket victory over Steve Smith’s side set up an exciting finale in Dubai on March 9. With both teams in top form, the final promised to be a spectacular showdown.
Rachin Ravindra’s Explosive Knock
Rachin Ravindra, known for his aggressive stroke play, took the attack to the South African bowlers early on. He crafted a well-paced 108 off 101 balls, showcasing an exquisite blend of caution and aggression.
His innings included 13 boundaries and a six, keeping the scoreboard ticking at a healthy rate. Ravindra’s approach ensured that the Kiwis maintained control after the early departure of Will Young, who was dismissed for 21 in the eighth over.
New Zealand’s commanding performance in the semifinal reaffirmed their status as one of the most formidable teams in world cricket. The centuries from Williamson and Ravindra highlighted the depth and resilience of their batting unit.
Additionally, their ability to handle South Africa’s bowlers with ease demonstrated their adaptability on big occasions. As they moved closer to the final, their well-rounded squad made them strong contenders for the title.
Kane Williamson’s Class and Composure
Kane Williamson, the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, displayed his trademark composure and technical brilliance.
His century was a masterclass in patience and precision, anchoring the innings while allowing Ravindra to take the aggressive role.
Williamson’s ability to rotate the strike and find gaps made it difficult for the South African bowlers to build any pressure. His contribution was instrumental in stabilizing the innings and setting up a formidable total.
The defining moment of New Zealand’s innings was the 174-run partnership between Williamson and Ravindra for the second wicket. This stand not only solidified the innings but also drained the South African bowlers of any momentum.
Their complementary styles—Williamson’s finesse and Ravindra’s attacking play—worked in perfect harmony, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling attack. This partnership laid the foundation for a competitive total, giving New Zealand a significant advantage.
View this post on Instagram
South Africa’s Bowling Struggles
Despite possessing a formidable bowling lineup, South Africa found it difficult to contain the Kiwi batsmen.
Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, two of their premier pacers, struggled to break the crucial partnership.
The slower bowlers, including Keshav Maharaj, attempted to bring some control but were largely ineffective against Williamson and Ravindra’s calculated approach.
The inability to pick up wickets in the middle overs proved costly for the Proteas.
Middle-Order Support: Mitchell and Latham at the Crease
At the time of writing, New Zealand stood at 257/3 after 41 overs, with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham at the crease.
Mitchell, a dynamic middle-order batsman, had the potential to accelerate the scoring rate, while Latham’s experience added stability. Their role in the final overs would be crucial in pushing New Zealand’s total beyond South Africa’s reach.
South Africa’s batting lineup featured several power hitters capable of chasing down any target. With the likes of Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram, and David Miller in the lineup, the Proteas had the firepower to mount a strong response.
However, they would need to counter New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Mitchell Santner.
Also Read:Â Bhanu Pania: Discover the Baroda Batter Shaking Up Indian Cricket with a Historic Knock
