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New Zealand produced a dominant performance in Lahore, securing a 50-run victory over South Africa in the semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The win propelled Blackcaps team into yet another ICC final, where they will lock horns with India on March 9 in Dubai. For South Africa, this was another heartbreaking exit in a knockout match, as their long-standing struggle to deliver under pressure in ICC tournaments continued. Despite David Miller’s heroic century, the Proteas collapsed under pressure, falling short in their chase of 363 runs, eventually managing 312/9 in 50 overs.
Temba Bavuma’s slow knock and and Heinrich Klaasen’s failure spark controversy
The semi-final saw Temba Bavuma’s knock of 56 off 71 balls come under heavy scrutiny. While he managed to provide stability at the top, his inability to accelerate during the powerplay put immense pressure on the middle order, a crucial factor in South Africa’s downfall. Many fans and former cricketers criticized Bavuma’s slow approach, accusing him of derailing the team’s momentum in a high-stakes run chase.
Meanwhile, Heinrich Klaasen, who had been one of South Africa’s most dependable batters in recent times, crumbled under pressure. After missing the first match of the tournament due to a minor injury, he made a strong return against England, scoring 64 off 56 balls. However, in the crucial semi-final, Klaasen managed only 3 runs before mistiming a shot straight to long-on, further denting South Africa’s chase.
Following the defeat, a fan took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their opinion, addressing former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs:
“To be honest Hersh, you guys were too dependent on Klaasen. The moment he got out, the middle order collapsed. At least Bavuma tried his best. And I think the Proteas players don’t need any retired players as coaches—they have so much talent. It’s just that they crumbled,” a fan wrote.
But to be honest Hersh, you guys were too dependable on Klaasen. The moment he went out the middle order collapsed. Atleast bavuma tried his best. And I think proteas players don’t need any retired players as a coach they have so much of talent. Its just that they crumbled
— Asim Alam (@asimalam2010) March 5, 2025
Also WATCH: David Miller celebrates record-breaking ton with a heartfelt cradle gesture in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal
Gibbs did not hold back in his response, slamming both Klaasen and Bavuma:
“Klaasen? Yet to prove himself on the big stage, my friend. Open your eyes. Which Bavuma were you watching?,” Gibbs wrote.
His sharp critique resonated with many fans who believed that Klaasen’s inability to step up in a big match and Bavuma’s sluggish innings were key reasons behind South Africa’s failure.
Klassen? Yet to prove himself on the big stage my friend open your eyes .. which bavuma were you watching 😂
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) March 5, 2025
David Miller’s lone battle as South Africa’s knockout woes continue
Miller produced one of the best innings of his career, smashing a century off just 67 balls, keeping South Africa’s hopes alive. However, he received little to no support from the other batters, with wickets falling at crucial junctures. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner, never allowed the Proteas to recover, ensuring there was no miracle comeback. With this win, New Zealand move into yet another ICC final, while South Africa’s painful history of choking in knockouts continues. The Proteas, despite having one of the strongest squads, have once again failed to reach their maiden ICC tournament final, leaving fans frustrated and questioning the team’s temperament in high-pressure games.
