- Kane Williamson scored 133* to lead New Zealand to victory, showcasing his leadership ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025.
- Matthew Breetzke made history with a 150-run debut, the highest by a South African in ODIs.
- Wiaan Mulder starred with a 64-run knock and a stunning catch, drawing comparisons to Faf du Plessis.
Kane Williamson’s Masterclass Leads New Zealand to Victory
Kane Williamson played one of his finest ODI innings, scoring 133* off 113 balls. His partnership with Devon Conway (97 runs) broke New Zealand’s record against South Africa, setting a strong foundation for the chase. Williamson hit 13 fours and 2 sixes, dominating South Africa’s inexperienced bowling attack. His century, his first since 2019, came at a strike rate of 117.70, proving his adaptability in high-pressure games.
New Zealand’s 308/4 in 48.4 overs highlighted their batting depth. Glenn Phillips (28* off 32) supported Williamson in the final overs, ensuring an 8-ball victory margin. The win secured New Zealand’s spot in the Tri-Series final, boosting their confidence for the Champions Trophy 2025.
New Zealand’s Batting Highlights
| Batter | Runs | Strike Rate | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kane Williamson | 133* | 117.70 | Anchored the chase |
| Devon Conway | 97 | 90.65 | Built 187-run partnership |
| Glenn Phillips | 28* | 87.50 | Finished the game strongly |
Matthew Breetzke’s Record-Breaking Debut
Matthew Breetzke became the fourth South African to score a century on ODI debut, smashing 150 off 148 balls. His innings included 11 fours and 5 sixes, contributing nearly half of South Africa’s total of 304/6. Breetzke’s aggressive play in the final overs (50 runs off 19 balls) showcased his potential as a future star for South Africa’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.
Despite Breetzke’s heroics, South Africa’s middle-order struggled. Jason Smith (41) and Wiaan Mulder (64) provided support, but the team’s lack of experience in bowling (three debutants) cost them the match. South Africa has now lost five consecutive ODIs, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming global tournament.
List: South Africa’s Top Performers
- Matthew Breetzke: 150 runs (148 balls)
- Wiaan Mulder: 64 runs (60 balls) + 1 catch
- Senuran Muthusamy: 2 wickets (50 runs)
Wiaan Mulder’s All-Round Brilliance Shines
Wiaan Mulder emerged as South Africa’s standout player, scoring a 64-run knock and taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Daryl Mitchell. His catch at long-on, compared to Faf du Plessis’s iconic grabs, became the match’s viral moment. Mulder’s 64 runs included 5 fours and 1 six, stabilizing South Africa’s innings after early setbacks.
Mulder’s performance highlighted his growth as an all-rounder. His ability to perform under pressure (scoring 54-ball 50) and contribute in fielding makes him vital for South Africa’s rebuilding phase ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. However, his efforts weren’t enough to stop New Zealand’s dominant batting lineup.
Did you know?
- Wiaan Mulder has now scored 2 fifties in his last 5 ODIs.
- His catch was termed “Catch of the Series” by fans on social media.
How Teams Are Preparing for Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan ODI Tri-Series serves as a critical warm-up for the Champions Trophy 2025. New Zealand’s full-strength squad (including Williamson and Conway) has dominated, while South Africa is testing six uncapped players like Breetzke and Bosch. Teams are using this series to refine strategies, with a focus on batting depth and youth development.
South Africa’s reliance on young talents reflects their long-term vision. Tony de Zorzi and Wiaan Mulder represent a new generation aiming to rebuild the team’s reputation. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s experienced players like Matt Henry (2 wickets) and Mitchell Santner (economy of 6.20) are sharpening their skills for the trophy.
List: Key Lessons for Champions Trophy 2025
- Batting Partnerships win matches (e.g., Williamson-Conway’s 187-run stand).
- Young Players need exposure to handle high-pressure games.
- Fielding Excellence (like Mulder’s catch) can change game momentum.
A Glimpse into Champions Trophy Dynamics
New Zealand’s victory underscores their status as title contenders for the Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa, despite the loss, discovered talents like Breetzke and Mulder, who could shine in the tournament. With both teams prioritizing player development and tactical flexibility, fans can expect thrilling cricket in the coming months.
Check out the Champions Trophy Schedule, Champions Trophy Live Score, Champions Trophy Squads , Champions Trophy Stats Champions Trophy Tour, Champions Trophy Venues & Champions Trophy Latest News here!
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Matches
Pakistan vs New Zealand - 1st Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs India - 2nd Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs South Africa - 3rd Match, Group B | Australia vs England - 4th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs India - 5th Match, Group A | Bangladesh vs New Zealand - 6th Match, Group A | Australia vs South Africa - 7th Match, Group B | Afghanistan vs England - 8th Match, Group B | Pakistan vs Bangladesh - 9th Match, Group A | Afghanistan vs Australia - 10th Match, Group B | England vs South Africa - 11th Match, Group B | New Zealand vs India - 12th Match, Group A | TBA vs TBA, 1st Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, 2nd Semi-Final | TBA vs TBA, Final |
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Teams
PAKISTAN | NEW ZEALAND | BANGLADESH | INDIA | AFGHANISTAN | SOUTH AFRICA | AUSTRALIA | ENGLAND
