In the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025 on Wednesday, the Proteas lost badly to New Zealand, choking in yet another ICC knockout.
Consequently, India will play Mitchell Santner & Co. in the grand finale on Sunday, March 09, as the Dubai International Cricket Stadium’s opulent stage prepares for the ultimate confrontation.
The Kiwis batted first in today’s match, and they got off to an absolutely fantastic start. Kane Williamson teamed up with opener Rachin Ravindra and, despite losing Will Young early, seemed very comfortable finding runs for enjoyment on the Lahore turf. After their 164-run partnership, Ravindra left for Kagiso Rabada, but not before he had hammered an incredible 108 off 101 in the difficult scenario.
In addition to reaching his 15th century of his career, Williamson also reached 19,000 international runs when he took the stage. Although neither Glenn Phillips (49*) nor Daryl Mitchell (49) reached their respective fifties, they both played crucial roles in the BlackCaps’ commanding 362/6 first innings.
The first blood was drawn by Matt Henry, and Ryan Rickelton left for 17 off 12 to begin the South African chase. once that, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma took it upon themselves to reach their respective half-centuries, but the rainbow nation’s batting appeared to be in ruins once both players left. Only veteran cricketer David Miller had a private celebration after Aiden Markram was removed in the 33rd over.
A bit too late in the celebration, the southpaw put on an outstanding batting show. The game ended with Bavuma & Co. falling 50 runs short of the objective and losing their campaign after the left-handed batter reached his undefeated century off just 67 balls. The disappointing defeat marked the end of South Africa’s story, since they had not yet suffered a defeat.
Naturally, a flurry of memes flooded the internet the moment South Africa failed to wipe off their chokers’ tag.
Here are some of the funniest tweets from X (formerly known as Twitter)
South Africa in every ICC tournament #NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/bT6sokvV6R
— Binod (@wittybinod) March 5, 2025
David Miller in South Africa team pic.twitter.com/2gtjbrG0p3
— Binod (@wittybinod) March 5, 2025
Lord Bavuma trying to take south africa to final pic.twitter.com/RPiFi5zlPA
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) March 5, 2025
David Miller today
pic.twitter.com/zACUgehHx6
— Sanju (@wanjupvt) March 5, 2025
David Miller hit a six into Crowd. 2 people stole the ball and ran out of stadium.
Unreal scenes at Lahore Stadium. pic.twitter.com/TXg3F3jOlf
— mufaddla parody (@mufaddl_parody) March 5, 2025
New Zealand qualify to play India in the Finals on pic.twitter.com/GuDsZt8nKo
— Manya (@CSKian716) March 5, 2025
The celebration has already started at MS Dhoni’s farmhouse for New Zealand’s victory pic.twitter.com/6W8pcc4XC2
— ` (@Lordshasfallen) March 5, 2025
New zealand is waiting for Ind vs Nz final with
#NZvSA pic.twitter.com/Xn5xOOxaud— memes_hallabol (@memes_hallabol) March 5, 2025
Newzealand fir Final me
#NZvsSA pic.twitter.com/FzbCaksyNH
— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) March 5, 2025
India
