“Is there a match today?” asked a Lahori taxi driver on M.M. Alam Road—just two kilometres from Gaddafi Stadium, which was set to host Pakistan’s biggest game since the 1996 World Cup final—the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand.

Surprisingly, the buzz around the iconic venue was minimal, but the crowd swelled after Iftar to witness a high-scoring contest on a slick Lahore pitch.

New Zealand, however, ensured intensity on the field as they powered to a 50-run victory, securing a place in the final.

Their batters made full use of a batting paradise, amassing 362 for 6 before their spinners dismantled South Africa’s chase. Despite David Miller’s valiant unbeaten century, the Proteas fell short, managing 312 for 9.

Batters from both teams thrived on a surface that played more like a highway than a cricket pitch. Batting first, New Zealand piled up a mammoth 362 for 6, driven by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Glenn Phillips added the finishing touch with a brisk 49* off 27 balls.

South Africa made a solid start in their chase but lost their way in the middle overs as New Zealand’s spinners tightened their grip.

Captain Temba Bavuma and Ryan Rickelton added 20 before Rickelton fell for 17 off 12 balls. Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then steadied the innings, but New Zealand wrestled control in the middle phase.

New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner turned the game with a relentless seven-over spell starting from the 17th over. He dismissed Bavuma (56), van der Dussen (69), and Heinrich Klaasen (3), conceding just 29 runs and dismantling South Africa’s chase. Rachin Ravindra later removed a well-set Aiden Markram (31), while off-spinners Glenn Phillips and Michael Bracewell chipped in with wickets to leave the Proteas in disarray.

David Miller fought a lone battle, scoring an unbeaten 100. While his knock never put New Zealand under pressure, it ensured South Africa crossed 300, finishing at 312 for 9.

Earlier, New Zealand’s innings was anchored by a solid opening stand between Will Young and Rachin Ravindra before Young fell to Lungi Ngidi at 48/1. Ravindra (108 off 101) and Williamson (102 off 94) powered the innings with fluent centuries—Ravindra’s fifth in ICC events and Williamson’s 15th overall.

Kagiso Rabada dismissed Ravindra, while Williamson fell to Wiaan Mulder. Tom Latham (4) was bowled by Rabada, and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) fell just short of a fifty. Michael Bracewell added 16 off 12, while Phillips’ unbeaten 49* included six fours and a six. Marco Jansen and Ngidi took two wickets each, but their efforts couldn’t prevent New Zealand’s commanding victory.