New Zealand Secures Final Spot with a Record Chase Against South Africa
New Zealand pulled off an impressive chase to beat South Africa by six wickets in Lahore, securing their place in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final. Chasing 305, Kane Williamson (133) and Devon Conway (97)* led the charge, setting a new record partnership (187) for New Zealand against South Africa. Their win means the upcoming match between Pakistan and South Africa in Karachi will be a knockout.
Williamson & Conway Shine
This was Williamson’s first ODI century in 22 innings and his second-fastest, reaching 100 in just 72 balls. Conway, playing his first ODI since the 2023 World Cup, narrowly missed his century but played a crucial role.
On the other side, Matthew Breetzke made history with 150 on his ODI debut, the highest ever for a first-time player. However, South Africa struggled in the middle overs, scoring too slowly despite a flat pitch. Their bowling attack also lacked experience, with three debutants (Eathan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, and Mihlali Mpongwana) and key bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi conceding 116 runs in 16 overs.
South Africa’s Batting Struggles
After losing Temba Bavuma (20) early, South Africa’s innings relied on a 93-run stand between Breetzke and Jason Smith. However, New Zealand’s bowlers kept things tight. After Smith was run out, the middle order failed to accelerate. Breetzke eventually reached his century in the 41st over and added another fifty off just 19 balls, taking South Africa past 300 before he was dismissed for 150. Wiaan Mulder (64)* helped push the total to 304, but they managed only four runs in the last eight balls.
New Zealand’s Chase
New Zealand started cautiously but took control after the halfway mark. They lost Will Young (19) early, but Williamson and Conway’s partnership ensured a steady run chase. Williamson played shots all over the field, while Conway reached his fifty in 64 balls before falling for 97.
Williamson’s century came in the 34th over, and despite some late wickets, Glenn Phillips helped guide the team home in the 49th over with eight balls to spare.
What’s Next?
South Africa has now lost five ODIs in a row, their worst streak in 20 years, but they have been playing with a weakened squad. They’ll need to regroup quickly for their must-win match against Pakistan. Meanwhile, New Zealand will head into the final full of confidence after this dominant performance.
The tournament now moves to Karachi, one of the three venues upgraded for the Champions Trophy, with Wednesday’s winner of “SA” vs. Pakistan match taking on “NZ” in the final on Friday. Karachi will also host Champions Trophy’s opening game between Pakistan and New Zealand on Feb. 19.
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