New Zealand have placed themselves in a commanding position with the bat during the second semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. The highlight of the Black Caps was a well-balanced and remarkable century from Kane Williamson’s bat who played a temperamental innings at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The star New Zealand batter managed to carve out an emphatic innings and developed a steady partnership with Rachin Ravindra following Will Young’s departure.
Kane Williamson’s masterclass against South Africa
Williamson arrived on the crease when Young was sent back to the pavilion by Lungi Ngidi. The 34-year-old overcame the threat from South African pacers during the initial few overs of his innings. Once he got settled in, Williamson played some emphatic shots to score 102 runs off 94 balls. During his centurion innings, Williamson scored 10 boundaries and 2 sixes and steered the way for his team to head towards a gigantic total in the all-important clash. His innings came to an end as Williamson tried to change gears following his century with an attempt to pull something out of the box against Wiaan Mulder during the 40th over of the New Zealand innings.
Black Caps puts together a mammoth total
The relentless attack from New Zealand continued even after Williamson’s departure from the crease. Glenn Phillips took the offensive and continued the onslaught. The Black Caps all-rounder played a storming unbeaten 49-run knock to further solidify the gains for his team. At the end of their 50-overs New Zealand had put together a huge total of 362 runs for the loss of 6 wickets and managed to exert pressure on the Proteas to pull together a run-chase of a lifetime to save their prospects in the game.
Also Read: SA vs NZ: Explained – Why Tristan Stubbs is not playing today’s Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal
Here’s how fans reacted:
HUNDRED FOR KANE WILLIAMSON IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL
– Big Games, Big players arrive, It’s Kane Williamson, The Greatest batter of New Zealand history
pic.twitter.com/QXNcHhjdwj
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 5, 2025
– A Champions Trophy Semi Final century by Kane Mama. A splendid innings by Williamson, the Kiwi great steps up in the big match.
pic.twitter.com/aP0bX7jPge
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) March 5, 2025
Kane Williamson last 3 innings against South Africa:
106* in 2019 World Cup
133* in recent Triangular series
102 in Champions Trophy semifinalStarted his love affair with South Africa with quick 38* in low scoring 2011 World Cup Quarter Final… pic.twitter.com/iIo7bjIwpw
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) March 5, 2025
After Rachin Ravindra now Kane Williamson has also scored a hundred in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy. Man they are looking dangerous. pic.twitter.com/a9xyjEc7hW
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) March 5, 2025
Some players shine in easy games. Some shine when it matters most.
Kane Williamson belongs to the second category.
— 𝐒 𝐰 𝐚 𝐫 𝐚ᯓ (@SwaraMSDian) March 5, 2025
KANE WILLIAMSON 101* (91)!!! One of the Greatest To Play Cricket
pic.twitter.com/coxogfuYva
— Dr Khushboo
(@khushbookadri) March 5, 2025
th ODI hundred by Kane Williamson
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) March 5, 2025
RACHIN RAVINDRA HAS 5 ODI HUNDREDS & ALL CAME IN ICC EVENTS
HUNDRED FOR KANE WILLIAMSON IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY SEMI-FINAL#NZvsSA #RachinRavindra pic.twitter.com/j7NkDoLeOu
— Shivam Verma (@Shivam_Verma_98) March 5, 2025
Kane Williamson the kiwi great steps up for New Zealand at Big Stage
– 15th ODI Century for him. He scored 102 in 94 balls including 10 fours n 2 sixes against South Africa in Semi Final of CT 2025.
#ChampionsTrophy #NZvsSA #KaneWilliamson pic.twitter.com/XEDhjUC1NU
— Shivam Dubey (@ShivamDubey45) March 5, 2025
Well Played Kane Williamson.
– He Scored 102( 94) in Semifinal Against South Africa. Give Hopes To Newzeland To Reach The Final.
– On Of The Finest.
pic.twitter.com/tFH1Ot69On
— Md Nagori (@Sulemannagori23) March 5, 2025
Also Read: Fans go berserk as Rachin Ravindra smashes century against South Africa in Champions Trophy 2025
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