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And then there were two! Six teams have bowed out, leaving India and New Zealand as the last ones standing in the battle for glory. For India, it’s a shot at redemption. Runners-up in the previous edition, they will play their third consecutive final, determined to go one step further. Meanwhile, the Kiwis return to the Champions Trophy final for the first time since 2009, eager to claim a second title. The grand finale will take place on Sunday, 9th March, at the Dubai International Stadium. The first ball of the final will be bowled at 9 am GMT, but our build-up will begin much earlier. Until then, take care and goodbye!

The captain of New Zealand, Mitchell Santner, says that it is a good feeling to make it to the final and acknowledges the challenge posed by a strong South African side. Mentions that they look forward to another clash against India, having already faced them earlier in the tournament. Santner highlights the solid foundation laid by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, which allowed them to accelerate in the death overs. He praises the finishers for executing their roles effectively and emphasises the importance of the bowlers consistently taking wickets. Reflecting on his own performance, he says that he is pleased to have claimed three scalps and adds that as a unit, it was important to keep plugging away at the wickets. Praises Glenn Phillips for his crucial two wickets and Rachin Ravindra for his valuable five-over spell, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Matt Henry’s ability to bowl due to soreness. Mentions that having played in Dubai and putting India under pressure has given the team confidence. Cheekily says that losing the toss in the final might not be a bad thing.

Temba Bavuma, the skipper of South Africa, says the target was above par and anything under 350 would've been better but on the batting front, they needed at least one or two batters to emulate what the top 4 did for New Zealand. Mentions David Miller did that but needed some support from the rest. States that the Kiwis put them under pressure and capitalized in the middle overs, and going into the death overs with wickets in hand was always going to be a difficult task for the bowlers. Appreciates the Kiwi batters who applied themselves well throughout the innings. On the partnership between himself and Rassie van der Dussen, he says they failed to build a big foundation and left way too much for the rest to go after. Concludes that they will have to win some key moments in the game and be decisive while not allowing the opposite to get back in the game.

Rachin Ravindra is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his impressive performance. To go with his 108-run knock earlier in the day, Rachin made an impact with the ball as well, claiming the prized scalp of Aiden Markram. He says that it always feels good to contribute to the team in a semi-final. Adds that he didn't get the start he wanted but once he got going, he found his mojo with Kane and stitched together a good partnership. States that he is pretty happy with the team’s overall performance. Mentions that he was thinking about the 300-run mark as the ball was holding a bit on the surface and the cutters were tough to play. States that he is happy that they got over 360 in the end. Further adds that they just want to soak this win and will reflect on the final in the upcoming couple of days.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier, New Zealand opted to bat first on a good batting surface, though slower balls gripped the wicket. Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson dictated terms with a commanding 164-run stand with both reaching well-crafted centuries. Their dismissals gave South Africa a window to claw back, but crucial knocks from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips ensured New Zealand did not lose their way. With 83 runs coming off the last 6 overs, the Kiwis ended up with 362, the highest total in the tournament’s history.

Then came the game-changing double strike from Mitchell Santner, who first removed Rassie van der Dussen before sending Heinrich Klaasen back, leaving a big hole in the chase. New Zealand’s spinners tightened the noose and with wickets tumbling at the other end, David Miller was left all alone in the fight. Yes, he lost partners, but questions may be asked about whether the acceleration came too late. With nothing to lose, given Miller’s capabilities and New Zealand’s relatively weak death bowling, who knows what could have been had he gone harder earlier?

Ryan Rickelton began with a couple of delightful boundaries but fell to one that stopped in the surface. Temba Bavuma struggled early against a disciplined Kiwi new-ball attack but soon found his rhythm. Alongside Rassie van der Dussen, he stitched together a promising stand to keep the required run rate in check. Bavuma fell to his Kiwi counterpart, but Rassie kept the Proteas on track. At the halfway mark, the scores were identical at 143, though South Africa had lost an extra wicket.

The Kiwis soar into the final! They set up a date with destiny against India in Dubai, with their sights set on a second Champions Trophy title. For the Rainbow Nation, the wait for their pot of gold continues. After the disappointment of the 2023 ODI World Cup semifinal and the heartbreak of the 2024 T20 World Cup final, this defeat adds yet another chapter to their tale of what could have been. Chasing 363 was always going to be a daunting task, especially with the pitch not completely easing out under the lights and the occasional delivery still holding up in the surface.

49.6HUNDRED FOR MILLER! The Proteas dugout and the crowd applaud the carnage, and David Miller soaks it all in with his own little celebration. Fired in full and outside off, David Miller drills it straight past the bowler towards long off and takes two runs. New Zealand win the second semifinal by 50 runs!

49.5SIX! Miller moves to 98! The Lahore crowd are all up on their feet! Short and on middle, David Miller picks the length early and swipes it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

49.4FOUR! David Miller gets to 92! Two more hits away to rack up a century! Short and on middle and leg, David Miller goes for the pull but gets it off the top edge and beats the chasing backward square leg fielder for a boundary.

49.3Full and on off, almost a yorker, David Miller opens up his stance and swipes across. Gets a thick outside edge over backward point. Kane Williamson chases the ball and dives to push it back in, keeping it down to two runs.

49.2Full, outside off, David Miller drills it straight back. Kyle Jamieson does well to make half a stop.

49.1FOUR! Angling across, a full toss, David Miller reaches for it and throws absolutely everything at it. Gets an outside edge that flies past short third for a boundary.

48.6Full, on middle and leg, David Miller works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

48.5FOUR! Moves past 80 now! Short and on leg, David Miller hops inside the line and pulls. Gets just enough to get it past the keeper to his right for a boundary.

48.4Full, outside off, David Miller miscues his stroke to mid off.

48.3There was a run-out chance and Will O'Rourke missed to flick the ball onto the stumps. Back of a length, on off, David Miller whips it to deep mid-wicket. Calls for the second and Lungi Ngidi is way too late on the return. Michael Bracewell throws the ball to the bowler and Will O'Rourke collects it well to his left and flicks it across but misses hitting the stumps.

48.2FOUR! Short and punished! Will O'Rourke drops it very short and on middle and leg, David Miller swivels across and pulls it behind square on the leg side for another boundary.

48.1FOUR! All a little too late! Full and well outside off, David Miller gets under it and lofts it over cover for a boundary.

47.6Full and outside off, pace taken off, David Miller slices it to deep cover for a single.

47.5FOUR! South Africa needed this to come much earlier in the game! Short and on middle and off, David Miller hops back and pulls it past deep square leg for a one bounce boundary.

47.4Full and on off, David Miller drills it to long on.

47.3Another full toss, on off, David Miller hacks across the line and gets it off the bottom half of the bat behind cover. Kane Williamson turns back and dives but the ball evades his reach. No runs taken.

47.2EDGED AND FOUR! The first one was dropped too short and this one is served too full. A full toss, on off, David Miller swings hard but gets a thick outside edge that flies past short third to his right for a boundary.

47.1SIX! Clean strike to welcome back Jamieson into the attack. Short of a length, outside off, David Miller stands tall and drags the pull across to get it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Kyle Jamieson (5-1-24-0) returns to the attack, replacing Matt Henry.

46.6An attempted yorker, served as a very low full toss, outside off, David Miller works it off the cue end of the bat to long off for one.

46.5Short and on middle, Miller pulls it to deep square leg for no runs.

46.4Nails the yorker at the stumps, David Miller digs it down the deck.

46.3FOUR AND FIFTY FOR MILLER! His 25th half-century in ODIs! Short of a good length, on off, David Miller swipes across and almost takes the bowler with it. Will O'Rourke does well to duck under it as the ball races to the long on fence for a boundary.

46.2Short of a length, on leg, David Miller looks to help it on its way but only manages to get a glove to the right of the keeper.

46.1Short and on middle, David Miller pulls it to deep square leg but takes no runs.

45.6Full, on middle, Lungi Ngidi shows the face of the bat and drives it well to long on but they do not take the run.

45.5Outside off, on a length, Miller thumps it to deep cover for a single.

45.4Angling into the pads, on a length, Lungi Ngidi clips it to deep square leg for a single.

45.4WIDE! Short of a length, down leg, Lungi Ngidi jumps across to let it pass behind him.

Lungi Ngidi is the last man in.

45.3OUT! CAUGHT! Another one goes down and New Zealand are inches away from a win to make it to the finale! Short and angling across, outside off, Kagiso Rabada rocks back and pulls but doesn't quite connect well. Hits it off the lower half of the bat and straight to Glenn Phillips at deep mid-wicket who takes a simple catch around his waist. South Africa are 9 down now for 256 runs.

45.2Short of a length, around off, David Miller pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

45.1Angling across on back of a length, outside off, David Miller slaps it to the left of deep cover. Michael Bracewell slides to make a fine stop, keeping it down to two runs.

44.6Short and on off, Rabada hangs back to defend. Santner is done for the night. He ends with figures of 10-0-43-3.

44.5Offers flight, fuller and slower, on the pads, Rabada wrists it to mid-wicket.

44.4FOUR! Good strike! This goes straight on, on a length, on middle, Kagiso Rabada uses his feet and lofts it with a straight bat back over the bowler's head for the second boundary of the over.

44.3Short and on middle, Rabada tucks it off the back foot to mid-wicket.

44.2FOUR! In the gap! The length is pulled back, turning in, on middle and leg, Rabada gets down and swipes it right between deep backward square leg and deep square leg for a boundary.

44.1Floated up, on a good length, on middle, Rabada clips it to mid-wicket.

43.6Slanting away, on a short of a length, Rabada slaps it to deep cover for a single.

43.5This is around off, on a hard length, pulled along the ground to deep square leg for a run.

43.4Nails the yorker, around off, Kagiso squeezes it out to long off for a single.

43.3Takes pace off and goes into the wicket, outside off, Rabada swings early for the pull and misses.

43.2Banged in short, over off, Miller pulls it straight to deep mid-wicket. They cross.

43.1Going across from over the wicket, on a good length, Kagiso punches it past cover for a single.

Matt Henry (5-0-32-1) comes back into the attack.

42.6Pushed through, full and on middle, Rabada taps it to long on and they take the single despite it being the final ball of the over.

42.5Back to tossing it up and bowling slower through the air, on the pads, Rabada sweeps it to short fine leg.

42.4Fired in, short and attacking the stumps, Kagiso is quick to drop his bat down on the ball.

42.4Wide! This spins down leg, on the shorter side. Wide given.

42.3Slower and this grips a bit, turning into the left-hander, on off, Rabada pushes it to cover.

42.2Flatter and shorter, on middle, Miller punches it down to long on for a single.

42.1Looped up, on a nagging length, Miller steps out but can only tuck it to mid-wicket.

41.6Slows it down and pulls the length back, on middle, Rabada goes back in the crease and nudges it in front of square leg but they do not take the single.

41.5Very full, around off, DM jams it out past cover for a single.

41.4Slanting into the pads, on a nagging length, helped to short fine leg for a single.

41.3FOUR! Width offered and Miller cashes in! Phillips errs and this is well outside off, on a length, Miller carves it inside out over cover for a boundary.

41.2Drifting into the pads, on the fuller side, Miller fails to tickle it away and misses it onto the pads.

41.1SIX! BANG! Is this where Miller decides to go all out? Fractionally short, on middle, David Miller rocks back and pummels it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

40.6Pushed through, it stays a bit low, Rabada hangs back and defends.

40.5Slows it down, on leg, Miller sweeps it to deep square leg and crosses over.

40.4Short and on leg, Rabada whips it past mid-wicket for a single.

40.3Floated up, full and on middle, Rabada works it to mid-wicket.

40.2Tossed up, on off, on a nagging length, Kagiso Rabada looks to turn it away. Gets an outside edge towards short third.

40.1Turning into the pads, Miller works it with the turn to deep square leg for one.

End of Powerplay 2. Mitchell Santner (7-0-29-3) comes back into the attack.

39.6Keeps it shorter and outside off, Kagiso Rabada stands tall and punches it wide of extra cover for a couple of runs to end the over.

39.5Dragged length, around off, Miller punches it to long off for a single.

39.4Floated up, around off, Kagiso Rabada comes forward and drives it beating the diving bowler to his right for a single.

39.4WIDE! Tossed up, but down the leg side, Kagiso Rabada misses the flick and it is called a wide.

Kagiso Rabada walks in at number 10 for South Africa.

39.3OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! South Africa are eight down and New Zealand are just two wickets away from making it to the final now. Glenn Phillips gets his second wicket. He bowls it on a nagging length, quicker, down the leg side, Keshav Maharaj swivels and looks to tickle it. He manages to get only a faint inside edge. The keeper Tom Latham moves to his left in quick time and grabs a sharp catch with both hands.

39.2Nagging length, around off, Keshav Maharaj pushes it to the right of the bowler off the back foot.

39.1Drops it short and outside off, David Miller presses back and cuts it hard to sweeper cover for a single.

38.6Tossed up, around off, Miller tucks it towards square leg for a single.

38.5Much fuller than the previous one, on the pads, Keshav Maharaj flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

38.4Keeps it shorter this time, around middle, Maharaj nudges it to mid-wicket.

38.3Full and outside off, Miller fetches out and drills it to long on for a single.

38.2Nagging length, around off, Miller nudges it towards mid on where Glenn Phillips cuts it off at mid-wicket.

38.1Drops it short, around middle and leg, David Miller goes back and uses his wrists to turn it in the gap towards deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Keshav Maharaj walks in at number 9 for South Africa.

37.6OUT! LBW! GONE! A successful review for New Zealand and they inch closer to a place in the final. Glenn Phillips bowls it on a nagging length, around off and middle, turning into the right-hander, Marco Jansen switches his stance and looks to reverse sweep it. He gets beaten on the inside edge and gets hit on the front pad. The umpire turned down the appeal and they took a review. There is nothing on UltraEdge but the Ball Tracking shows that it is three reds with the ball hitting the leg stump. Marco Jansen will have to go back.

Is that out? There is an appeal for LBW but is given NOT OUT by the onfield umpire. Glenn Phillips seems interested and Mitchell Santner has decided to review it. A reverse sweep attempt by Marco Jansen and he misses to be hit on the front pad. The UltraEdge shows no spike. Oh wow, the Ball Tracking shows all three reds and the onfield call of NOT OUT is overturned to OUT! What a review this!

37.5Tossed up, well outside off, Miller slams it towards cover and runs off for a single as the fielder makes a fumble there.

A slight delay as the ball seems to have been lost in the crowd. Seems like it has gone through the gap between the stands, and in comes a box of new balls. Right then, after a prolonged delay, we are good to resume.

37.4SIX! Short and punished! Nagging length, around off, David Miller goes back and fetches it out to pull it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

37.3Dragged length, follows the batter, on leg, Marco Jansen comes down the track and swipes it towards short fine leg for a quick single.

37.2Much shorter, well outside off, Miller cuts it to deep cover for a single.

37.1Nagging length, around middle, Marco Jansen changes his stance and reverse-sweeps it wide of short third man. Matt Henry runs in to his right and stops the ball with his foot. The batters take a single.

Glenn Phillips is introduced into the attack now.

36.6Full on off and middle, Jansen uses his feet and drills it to long on for a single.

36.5Tossed up, around middle, Marco Jansen comes down the track and nudges it to mid-wicket.

36.4Full on off, Jansen comes forward and drives it to the left of the bowler.

36.3Floated up, around off, Jansen strides forward and drives it to cover point.

36.2Full on middle, Miller flicks it away towards long on for a single.

36.1Nagging length, around off, Miller pushes it to cover.

Marco Jansen walks in at number 8 for South Africa, with his team needing 163 runs off 84 balls.

35.6OUT! CAUGHT! South Africa are six down and New Zealand are all over them now. Bracewell tosses it up, around off and middle, Wiaan Mulder goes on his knee and looks to play the slog sweep. He doesn't get the desired distance as the ball skids through off the surface. The ball goes in the air towards deep square leg where Rachin Ravindra moves to his right a bit and takes it with both hands around his waist.

35.5Tossed up, around middle, Miller lunges and flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

35.4Full around middle, follows the batter, Mulder comes down the track and adjusts it in the end to work it away towards square leg for a single.

35.3FOUR! GOOD SHOT! Flighted up, around off, Wiaan Mulder changes his stance and brings out the reverse sweep. Hits it towards deep third man for a boundary.

35.2Floated up, slower, around middle, Wiaan Mulder uses his feet and looks to slog it to the leg side but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

35.1Tossed up, around off, Miller drives it to long off for a single.

34.6BEATEN! Slower through the air, turns away, full around off, Wiaan Mulder is drawn forward to defend it with the full face of the bat. But gets beaten on the outside edge. Just 2 off it.

34.5Slower, full around off, Wiaan drives it to mid off.

34.4Floated up, around off, Mulder comes forward and steers it to cover.

34.3Nagging length, around off, Mulder pushes it to cover.

34.2Full and outside off, Wiaan Mulder makes room and drives it in the gap towards extra cover for a couple of runs.

34.1Tossed up, around off, Mulder blocks it off.

DRINKS BREAK! What was shaping up to be a tense chase at the halfway mark has tilted in New Zealand’s favour, thanks to crucial strikes from Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra. The Kiwis have been relentless since breaking the Bavuma-Rassie stand, chipping away at wickets and keeping things tight. With the required run rate creeping close to 11, South Africa now face an uphill battle to stay in the contest. With only Marco Jansen left as a capable big-hitter, David Miller must decide how long he can afford to take the game deep before going all out.

33.6Full on off and middle, Miller comes forward and blocks it.

33.5Dragged length, around off, David Miller pushes it to cover.

33.4Floated up, around off and middle, Wiaan Mulder knocks it down to long on for a single.

33.3Tossed up, around off, Wiaan Mulder comes forward and defends it to the left of the bowler.

33.2Much shorter, around off, Mulder nudges it to mid-wicket.

33.1Nagging length, touch outside off, Miller cuts it towards sweeper cover off the back foot for a single.

Wiaan Mulder walks in at number 7.

32.6OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Rachin Ravindra gets his first wicket now and South Africa's troubles increase further. He bowls it a bit short, around off, from around the wicket and the ball stops in the surface. Aiden Markram is early into his shot and looks to punch it down the ground. He can't keep the shot along the ground and the ball goes uppishly towards the bowler. Rachin Ravindra takes an easy reverse cup catch around his face.

32.5Darts in quick, short and on the pads, Miller turns it towards backward square leg for a single.

32.4Tossed up, around middle, Markram comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single.

32.3Quicker, short, around middle, David Miller nudges it towards square leg for a single.

32.2Much shorter, around off and middle, Aiden Markram punches it to long off for a single.

32.1Nagging length, around off, Markram drives it to cover.

31.6Slower through the air, on the pads, Miller tucks it to mid-wicket.

31.5Nagging length, around off, Miller chops it out to cover off the back foot.

31.4Full, on off, Aiden Markram drives it down the ground to the right of the bowler for a single.

31.3Dragged length, around off, Miller pats it down towards cover and runs off for a quick single.

31.2Floated up, around off, Miller defends it to cover.

31.1Tossed up, around off, Markram comes forward and flicks it to long on for a single.

31.1WIDE! Quicker, but down the leg side, Aiden Markram misses the flick and it is called a wide.

30.6Nagging length, around off, Aiden Markram comes forward and looks to drive it down the ground. But gets it through the outer half of the bat wide of cover for a single.

30.5Full on middle, David flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

30.4Dragged length, angling in, around middle, Miller tucks it to mid on.

30.3FOUR! Up and over! Flighted up, on the fourth stump, David Miller clears out his front leg and thumps it over mid off for a boundary.

30.2Floated up, touch outside off, Miller drops it down to cover.

30.1Tossed up, around off, Markram drives it to long off for a single.

29.6Length, on off, Aiden Markram slaps it to deep cover for a single.

29.5FOUR! Stand and deliver! Will O'Rourke digs it short and on middle, Aiden Markram rises with the bounce and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

29.4On a length, on off, Aiden Markram blocks it to cover.

29.3Angles it in, on a fuller length, on middle and leg, David Miller tucks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

29.2Attacks the stumps, on a fuller length, Aiden Markram drives it to deep cover for one.

29.1On a length, on off, Aiden Markram cuts it to backward point.

28.6Quick, full and on off, David Miller rocks back and punches it to mid off.

28.5Full, on middle, David Miller pushes it to cover.

David Miller makes his way out to the centre. Matt Henry is leaving the field for treatment after landing heavily on his right shoulder.

28.4OUT! CAUGHT! Mitchell Santner has got rid of the big fish in Heinrich Klaasen! This is what the pressure of the required rate does! Santner gets his third and South Africa are in deep, deep trouble at 167/4! He bowls it short and angles it into the batter, on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen rocks back and decides to pump it over long on but is hurried onto the shot a bit. Hits it flat and in front of long on. Matt Henry charges in and takes a solid catch, sliding low in front. Henry seems to have hurt his right shoulder after taking the catch.

28.3Fired in, full and on middle and leg, Heinrich Klaasen punches it back to the bowler.

28.2Slower through the air, full and on off, Aiden Markram drives it to long off for a single.

28.1Looped full, on middle, Aiden Markram clears his front leg out and drills it straight back to the bowler.

27.6Another short one, on off, Heinrich Klaasen punches it to cover.

27.5Back of a length, angling into middle and leg, Aiden Markram pulls it across to mid-wicket where Michael Bracewell makes half a stop and keeps it to one.

27.4Short and outside off, Heinrich Klaasen gets on top of the bounce and guides it to deep third for a run.

27.3Continues to bash the deck, on a back of a length, around off, Aiden Markram slaps it to deep cover for one.

27.2Short and over off, Heinrich Klaasen keeps the pull all along the ground towards deep square leg for a single.

27.1Short of a length, around off, Heinrich Klaasen knocks it to mid off.

26.6Fires it into the stumps, on a length, Heinrich Klaasen punches it to long off for a single and gets off the mark.

Heinrich Klaasen is the new batter.

26.5OUT! CLEANED'EM UP! Mitchell Santner has just bowled a ripper to get rid of Rassie van der Dussen for 69! What a timely wicket for New Zealand! Santner angles it into the right-hander on a fuller length, on middle and gets the ball to bite the surface and straighten. Rassie van der Dussen plants his front leg out to work it away on the leg side with a closed bat face but gets beaten and the ball hits the top of middle and leg. Mitchell Santner is pumped to bits and why wouldn't he be? Superb bowling this!

26.4Full, on off, Aiden Markram works it to long on for a single.

26.3Flatter trajectory, short and on off, Aiden Markram cuts it to deep cover. Nathan Smith moves to his left and fires the throw to the keeper who flicks the bails off but Aiden Markram does well to drag his bat in time. A direct hit could've been interesting!

26.2Tossed up, on off, Rassie van der Dussen whips it to long on for one.

26.1Full, at the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen taps it back to the bowler.

25.6FOUR! Three boundaries in the over and New Zealand are failing to build any pressure! Short of a good length, around off, Aiden Markram hops back and cuts it through point for four runs. 14 runs off Will O'Rourke's returning over.

25.5Short of a length, on off, at just 122.5 kph. Aiden Markram taps it to backward point.

25.4Brave bowling this! Drops it short again, on middle with good pace, Rassie van der Dussen lifts his front leg and pulls it to deep backward square leg for one.

25.3FOUR! Thumped! Will O'Rourke drops it short and on middle, Rassie van der Dussen reads the length early, transfers his weight back and pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs.

25.2Short of a length, over off, Aiden Markram hops back and dabs it to deep point for one.

25.1FOUR! Glorious! A bit too full, and on off, Aiden Markram shows the face of the bat and creams his drive through covers for a boundary.

24.6Comes from wider on the crease and keeps it full, around off, Aiden Markram knocks it to deep cover for one. Just 4 runs off this over.

24.5Straight on, with the arm, full and at the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen punches it to long on and picks up a single.

24.4Full, on middle and off, watchfully blocked by Rassie van der Dussen.

24.3Looped up a bit, full and on middle and leg, Aiden Markram looks to tuck it across but gets a leading edge that flies past the bowler to his left for one.

24.2At 93.3 kph, fired in at the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen knocks it to deep cover for one.

24.1Angling in from wider on the crease, full and on middle, Rassie van der Dussen blocks.

23.6Full, on off, Rassie van der Dussen pushes it through point for a single.

23.5SIX! How's that for a shot? Clubbed to perfection! Tossed up, on middle and off, Rassie van der Dussen swings across and connects well. Hits it well over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

23.4Drops it a tad short and at the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen shuffles across and scoops it to the right of deep fine leg for a brace.

23.3Nails a yoker, on middle and leg, Rassie van der Dussen jams it to the right of the bowler.

23.2Full, on middle, Aiden Markram drives it to long on for one.

23.1Darted into the pads, fuller, Rassie van der Dussen clips it in front of deep mid-wicket for a single.

22.6Slants it into the stumps, on a nagging length, Aiden Markram defends. Successful over from Mitchell Santner! Just the 3 runs and the big wicket of Bavuma off it.

22.5Looped up, on off, Rassie van der Dussen eases it to long off for one.

22.5WIDE! Sliding through with the arm, full and down leg.

22.4Fired in, full and on middle, Aiden Markram looks to drive it on the full, but gets an inside edge to square leg for a single and gets off the mark.

22.3Full, on off, Aiden Markram pushes it to cover.

Aiden Markram walks out to bat.

22.2OUT! CAUGHT! Kane Williamson makes his presence felt this time. Mitchell Santner gets the big wicket for New Zealand and breaks the 105-run stand. Santner slows it up again, and gives the ball a lot of air, on middle. It pitches and turns away. Temba Bavuma charges down the track but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the ball in his attempt to heave it across the line. Gets a thick outside edge that lobs over backward point where Kane Williamson takes a couple of steps back and grabs a simple catch over his head with both hands. Temba Bavuma departs for 56 (71) and South Africa are 125/2 now.

22.1Loopy delivery, well outside off, Temba Bavuma looks to sweep but drags it back onto his pads.

21.6Tossed up, on off, Temba Bavuma drives it to long on for one.

21.5FIFTY FOR RASSIE! Third consecutive half-century for him. What a knock! Surely will want to just carry on and make a big impact tonight! Michael Bracewell fires it straight in at the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen backs away and plays it very late. Cuts it to deep cover for a single.

21.4Pushed through, full and on off, Rassie van der Dussen taps it to cover.

21.3Tossed up, on off, Rassie van der Dussen shuffles across and scoops it over the keeper to the right of fine leg for two more. Suddenly the runs are coming at a good pace.

21.2Full, on off, Bavuma works it to long on for one.

21.1Full, on middle, Temba Bavuma slips on his knee and scoops it behind to fine leg for a brace. 100-run partnership up between these two batters.

20.6Tossed back up again, on off, Bavuma eases it past Santner to his left for one. 11 runs off the over.

20.5Full, on middle, Rassie works it to long on for one.

20.4Tossed up, on middle, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it past Kane Williamson at mid-wicket for two more runs.

20.3Santner drops it just short and on off and middle, Rassie van der Dussen taps it to cover.

20.2SIX! BANG! Much-needed boundary after a couple of real tight overs. Tossed up, on off, Rassie van der Dussen smokes it straight back over long on for a huge six.

20.1Full, on middle and off, Temba Bavuma sweeps it straight to Kane Williamson at mid-wicket. This was hit very hard to his right and Kane stretches out his right hand to try and take it. The ball bursts off his palms and the batters take a single.

19.6Nagging length, around off and middle, Rassie van der Dussen comes down the track and whips it to mid-wicket.

19.5Nagging length, around middle, Rassie van der Dussen makes room and pushes it mid on.

19.4Lands it fuller, around off, Rassie nudges it to backward square leg.

19.3FIFTY FOR TEMBA! Floated up, around middle, Temba Bavuma makes room and pats it down towards cover for a quick single to complete his half-century. He will know that he will have to bat long for his team to have any chance of overhauling this big total.

19.2Darts in fuller, on the pads, Temba comes forward and flicks it to square leg.

19.1Tossed up, around middle, Bavuma nudges it to mid-wicket.

18.6Fuller, around off, Temba comes forward and steers it towards backward point for a quick single.

18.5BEAUTY! On a length, turns away, around off, Temba Bavuma is drawn forward and looks to defend it but gets beaten on the outside edge. The ball bounces a bit more and goes over the off pole.

18.4Similar length, around off, Bavuma defends it back to the bowler.

18.3Dragged length, and touch outside off, Bavuma pushes it back to the bowler off the bottom part of the bat.

18.2Tossed up and outside off, Temba Bavuma reverse-sweeps it to short third man.

18.1Nagging length, around off, slower, Temba Bavuma pushes it to the right of the bowler who stops it.

17.6Nagging length, around leg, Rassie van der Dussen shuffles across and misses the flick. The umpire doesn't signal wide, much to the surprise of the batter.

17.5Much slower, fuller on the pads, Bavuma flicks it towards square leg for a single.

17.4Nagging length, around middle, van der Dussen pushes it to long on for another single.

17.3Fuller and just outside off, Temba Bavuma nudges it to long on for a single.

17.2FOUR! TOP SHOT! Floated up, around off, Temba Bavuma uses his feet to get to the pitch of the ball and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

17.2WIDE! Darts in fuller but down the leg side, Rassie van der Dussen misses the flick. Called a wide.

17.1Tossed up, around off, Rassie van der Dussen shuffles across in the crease and scoops it towards fine leg. Will O'Rourke runs in to his right from deep fine leg and meanwhile, the batters take three runs.

16.6Drops it short, around off, Rassie van der Dussen goes back and cuts it hard to sweeper cover for a single.

16.5Slower through the air, around off, fuller in length, Temba Bavuma drives it towards deep cover for a single.

16.4Floated up, around off, Bavuma pushes it to cover.

16.3Nagging length, around middle, slower, Temba Bavuma comes forward to defend but misses and wears it on the pads. An appeal for LBW but is turned down. They aren't going for the review either. Looked to be going down leg.

16.2Dragged length, quicker, around middle, Rassie van der Dussen turns it towards long on for a single.

16.1Tossed up, around off, Temba Bavuma drives it beating the diving cover fielder for a single.

Drinks Break! Despite the early loss of Ryan Rickelton, South Africa have recovered well, stitching together a promising partnership. Temba Bavuma looks in good touch, while Rassie van der Dussen has settled in nicely. With the depth in the batting lineup, the Proteas are very much on track in this mammoth chase. However, they must maintain the required run rate while ensuring they don’t lose wickets, as any stutter could shift the pressure back on them. For New Zealand, the bowling hasn’t been poor, but they’ll need to tighten the screws and string together a few tight overs. With the scoreboard pressure looming, those crucial breakthroughs could turn the tide in their favour. A fascinating phase of play awaits. Mitchell Santner brings himself into the attack after the break.

15.6Floated up, around middle, Bavuma flicks it towards square leg for a single to end the over.

15.5Dragged length, just outside off, Rassie van der Dussen pushes it to sweeper cover for a single.

15.4Fuller again, in the stumps, Rassie van der Dussen nudges it towards mid-wicket uppishly but the ball falls short of the fielder there.

15.3Nagging length, around off and middle, Rassie nudges it to mid-wicket.

15.2A low full toss, around off, Temba Bavuma walks down the track and pushes it to long off for a single.

15.1Tossed up, around off, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it to long on for a single.

15.1WIDE! Quicker but down the leg side, Rassie van der Dussen misses his flick. Called a wide.

14.6Back of a length and outside off, Rassie van der Dussen steers it to deep cover for a single.

14.5Short of a length, around off, Temba Bavuma hops up and drops it down to deep third man for a single.

14.4A bit slower, around off, on the fuller length, Rassie van der Dussen comes forward and pushes it to mid off and runs off for a quick single. Mitchell Santner runs in forward to collect the ball but fails to do so.

14.3Back of a length, around off, Temba Bavuma gets squared up as he looks to defend it. But gets a thick outside edge wide of backward point for a quick single.

14.2Hard length, angling in, around middle, van der Dussen flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

14.1On a good length, and outside off, Bavuma cuts it towards deep third man for a single.

13.6Full again, around middle and leg, Rassie van der Dussen comes forward and nudges it to mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips makes a dive to his left and stops the ball.

13.5Quicker and fuller, in the stumps, Rassie flicks it to mid-wicket.

13.4Floated up, around off and middle, Temba Bavuma uses his feet and flicks it to long on for a single.

13.3Nagging length, outside off, Bavuma pushes it to cover.

13.2Dragged length, around off, Rassie van der Dussen tucks it just wide of mid-wicket and sets off for a single. Glenn Phillips collects the ball and makes a throw at the non-striker's end where the bowler dislodges the bails also but the batter reaches the crease in time.

13.1Tossed up, around off and middle, Rassie nudges it to mid-wicket.

12.6Short of a length, and outside off, Rassie van der Dussen hops up and flays it aerially towards sweeper cover for a single.

12.5Hard length, outside off, Temba looks to punch it but gets it through the bottom half of the bat to mid off. He runs off for a quick single.

12.4BEATEN! Bangs in short of a length, well outside off, Temba Bavuma hops up and looks to ramp it but gets beaten.

12.3Hard length, and on the fourth stump, Bavuma cuts it but straight to backward point.

12.2On a good length, just outside off, Rassie van der Dussen drags it to the leg side for a single towards square leg.

12.1Just over! Goes fuller and outside off, change of pace, Rassie van der Dussen is drawn forward and gets deceived by the lack of the pace.. He is a tad early in his shot as he looks to punch it and the ball goes in the air just over the short cover fielder and they take a couple of runs.

11.6Keeps it shorter, and outside off this time, Rassie van der Dussen punches it off the back foot to deep cover for a single.

11.5Nagging length, around middle, Temba Bavuma tucks it wide of mid-wicket for a single.

11.4Similar length, around middle, Bavuma flicks it to square leg.

11.3Dragged length, around middle, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it to long on for a single. 50 up for this partnership.

11.2Tossed up, around off, Rassie van der Dussen nudges it towards square leg.

11.1Nagging length, quicker, around off, Rassie van der Dussen goes back and pulls it hard towards mid-wicket. Glenn Phillips moves to his left to stop the ball.

Double change? Yes, Michael Bracewell is introduced into the attack from the other end.

10.6Nagging length and outside off, Bavuma cuts it wide of deep third man for a couple of runs to end the over.

10.5FOUR! EDGED AND BOUNDARY! On a good length and touch outside off, cross-seam delivery, Temba Bavuma has a poke at it as the ball takes the outside edge and races away to the deep third boundary.

10.4Hard length, and outside off, Rassie cuts it hard to deep point for a single.

10.3Back of a length, outside off, Temba Bavuma guides it to deep third man for a single.

10.2On a good length, around off, Rassie taps it wide of cover and runs off for a quick single.

10.1FOUR! Will O'Rourke is greeted with a boundary! Lands it fuller and wide outside off, Rassie van der Dussen moves across to reach out and extends his arms to thrash it in the extra cover region for a boundary.

End of Powerplay 1. New Zealand are now allowed upto 4 fielders outside the 30-yard circle until the 40th over. Will O'Rourke comes in as the first bowling change for the Kiwis.

9.6Serves it on a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it down on the off side.

9.5Fuller in length, on off, Bavuma lunges to push it down the ground. Miscues it off the inner half of the bat past mid-wicket for two more.

9.4On a good length, on middle, Temba Bavuma looks to keep it out with a straight bat. Ekes out an inside edge through square leg for a brace.

9.3Short and around off, Temba Bavuma slaps it hard but can't get it past Glenn Phillips at backward point.

9.2SIX! Dispatched! Jamieson bangs it in short but not high enough to trouble the batter, Bavuma latches into it and nails the pull over deep backward square leg for a six.

9.1On a shortish length, over off, Temba opens the bat face and steers it to backward point.

8.6FOUR! Fine shot! On a short of a length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen stands tall and punches it all along the ground to the left of mid off for a boundary.

8.5Banged into the deck, around off, Bavuma rides the bounce and glides it down to deep third for a single.

8.4On off, on the fuller side, TB defends it right under his eyes.

8.3FOUR! Up and over! A bit wide on off, on a short of a good length, Temba Bavuma walks down the track and lifts it cover for a boundary.

8.2Good running! On a nagging length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen drops it with soft hands in front of mid off for a quick single.

8.1At 135.2 kph, on a nagging length, on the off stump, Rassie van der Dussen stabs it down the deck.

7.6Fuller in length, on off, Temba Bavuma eases the drive past the diving short cover fielder. Mitchell Santner from mid off gives it a chase and cuts it off. Two runs taken.

7.5This nips back in a bit, on a good length, on the pads, Rassie van der Dussen tucks it to deep backward square leg for a single.

7.4Fractionally wide on off, on a short of a good length, Rassie van der Dussen punches it firmly but straight to cover.

7.3Just around the off stump, on a good length, Rassie taps it to cover.

7.2Beaten! In the channel on off, on a nagging length, Rassie van der Dussen pokes at the delivery away from his body and gets beaten on the outside edge.

7.1On a back of a length, on off, Rassie hangs back and pushes it to cover.

6.6Honing in on the off stump, on a length, Bavuma pats it to mid off with a straight bat.

6.5Delivers it on a short of a good length, played with a straight bat towards short mid-wicket by Temba.

6.4On off, on a good length, blocked out solidly by Temba.

6.3Fuller now, on off, Rassie firms the drive back towards the bowler. Henry makes a half-stop and the ball deflects off his hands in front of mid off for a run.

6.2On a back of a length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen pats it down the deck.

6.1Buzzers! This is full in length, on off, Rassie lunges and pushes it to the left of mid off. Mitchell Santner gets to the ball quickly by moving to his left and fires it in at the bowling end. The throw misses the stumps and the ball gets past the sliding Kane Williamson backing up the throw, allowing one more.

5.6Slightly fuller, on off, Rassie glides it wide of backward point for a single.

5.5Lands it on a hard length, on off, Rassie hops and keeps it out.

5.4Dishes it out on a short of a good length, on off, Rassie van der Dussen guides it to backward point.

5.3On the pads again, on a good length, Temba Bavuma works it to mid-wicket where a fumble allows a single.

5.2FOUR! Good shot! Too straight, too full, on the pads, Temba Bavuma flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Rachin Ravindra gives it a chase but in vain.

5.1Honing in on the off stump, on a good length, Temba Bavuma stabs it down on the off side.

4.6FOUR! What a way to get off the blocks. A bit too full, on middle and leg, Rassie van der Dussen flicks it through the gap past mid-wicket and gets a boundary.

Rassie van der Dussen walks in at number 3 for South Africa.

4.5OUT! CAUGHT! New Zealand draw first blood and the Proteas are rocked back early. This is a big wicket and Matt Henry is the chief architect behind this big blow. Comes from around the wicket and hits the deck on a length, around middle and off, taking some pace off with a roll of fingers over the ball. The ball sticks to the surface and comes slower than Ryan Rickelton was anticipating for it to come. He looks to play it straight and gets early onto the shot. Chips it straight into the hands of Michael Bracewell at short cover who gobbles it in a flash. Ryan Rickelton departs for 17 (12) and South Africa are 20/1.

4.4Angles it in, around off, on a length, Ryan Rickelton blocks.

4.3This is on a back of a length, on middle, Temba Bavuma pushes it in front of mid on for a quick single.

4.2On a good length, on off, Temba Bavuma taps it back to the bowler.

4.1Pitched up, on off, driven along the ground to mid off.

3.6Going across the batter, on a good length and Jamieson gets a good lift off the deck. Ryan Rickelton shoulders arms.

3.5FOUR! Nicely done! Too straight from Jamieson, on the pads, on a length, Ryan Rickelton brings his wrists into play and flicks it past mid-wicket for a boundary.

3.4Slightly fuller and a hint of away shape, on off, Temba Bavuma shapes up to launch it back over the bowler's head. Gets an outside edge that dribbles down to deep third for one. First run conceded by Kyle.

3.3Attacking the stumps, on a length, Temba Bavuma works it to mid on with a straight bat.

3.2Full and straight, at the stumps, defended solidly by TB.

3.1At 125.7 kph, on a shortish length, around the left shoulder, Temba Bavuma premeditates as he walks down the track. Tries to adjust to the length by getting on his toes and helping it away. He misses and the ball goes off his body. Drops in front of the keeper.

2.6FOUR! As good as it gets! Henry goes full, on off, Ryan Rickelton eases himself into the drive and presents the full face of the bat. Beats Mitchell Santner at mid off to his left for a boundary.

2.5In the corridor of off, on a length, Temba Bavuma gets forward to drive it through the off side. Gets it off the inner half of the bat in front of mid on. Bavuma gets across for a quick single and opens his account.

2.4Angling into the right-hander, on middle and leg, Temba Bavuma steps out and nudges it to mid-wicket.

2.3Oh, that's a beauty! On a good length, in and around the off stump, Temba Bavuma looks to block it out with a straight bat. The ball nips away off the seam to whistle past the outside edge.

2.2This is on a short of a good length, with a high elbow, Temba Bavuma punches it to cover.

2.1On a length, on off, Ryan Rickelton taps it to the left of mid off where Mitchell Santner slides to that side and keeps the batters down to one.

1.6Jamieson starts with a maiden! Fuller in length, on off, Bavuma drives it sweetly but can't get it past cover.

1.5Shaping away in the channel on off, on a good length, Temba Bavuma does well to not poke at the delivery. Tucks his bat inside the line and lets it be.

1.4Goes full and gets the ball to move away in the air, outside off, Bavuma eases the drive to point.

1.3Good work! Sliding onto the pads, on a length, Temba flicks it towards mid-wicket where Young makes a diving stop to his left.

1.2Bashes the hard length, on off, Temba Bavuma rides the bounce and guides it to backward point.

1.1Beats the bat straight away! Hits the deck hard and gets the ball to deviate away, around off, on a short of a good length, Temba is squared up in defence and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Kyle Jamieson to share the attack from the other end.

0.6Serves it on a nagging length, on off, the ball pings off the bat as Ryan punches but picks out the man at cover-point.

0.5FOUR! All class! Henry serves it fuller in length, on off, Ryan shows the full face of the bat and drives it to the left of mid on for a boundary.

0.4On a good length, on off, Ryan Rickelton firms the drive to short cover.

0.3Angling away from the left-hander, on a good length, Rickelton looks to punch it away but the ball stays low and grazes the bottom edge on its way to the keeper. Tom Latham collects it on the bounce.

0.2FOUR! Ryan Rickelton and South Africa are underway in a streaky fashion! This is on a back of a length, around off, Rickleton shapes to defend it with a straight bat. Gets an inside edge that sneaks past the stumps and races down to deep fine leg.

0.1Pushes it across from over the wicket, on a length, Ryan presses forward and pats it back to Henry.

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Team Rankings

RankTeamPointsRating
1Australia3732124
2South Africa3581116
3England4469112
4India4064104
5New Zealand240996
6Sri Lanka236488
7Pakistan205082
8West Indies203670
9Bangladesh188863
10Ireland18523
11Zimbabwe20812
12Afghanistan6210
RankTeamPointsRating
1India5089121
2New Zealand4956113
3Australia4134109
4Pakistan4294105
5Sri Lanka4392100
6South Africa402298
7Afghanistan265795
8England343286
9West Indies317377
10Bangladesh288276
11Zimbabwe129154
12Ireland93852
13Scotland152246
14USA166844
15Netherlands142540
16Oman88635
17Nepal95927
18Namibia70721
19Canada35716
20United Arab Emirates39611
RankTeamPointsRating
1India18251272
2Australia11199267
3England11609258
4New Zealand13318251
5South Africa11751240
6West Indies14424236
7Pakistan17149235
8Sri Lanka10951228
9Bangladesh14925223
10Afghanistan9895220
11Ireland7438201
12Zimbabwe13190200
13Netherlands6366182
14Scotland4178182
15Namibia6344181
16United Arab Emirates10584176
17Nepal7384176
18USA5769175
19Canada5374154
20Oman7140152
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93Turkiye262
94Gambia61
95Slovenia00
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95Timor-Leste00
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