South Africa Star Launches A Massive Attack On India After Exiting Champions Trophy 2025

South Africa’s missed chances against New Zealand continue as they again fail to destroy the Kiwis during the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy 2025 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With the victory, the Blackcaps will face India in the event's final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

David Miller stayed unbeaten on 100 runs, scoring 10 boundaries and four sixes besides dedicating the century to his new-born, but the emotion on his face could tell how devastated the veteran was after missing out on another knockout fixture.

South Africa leaks 362 runs in the Champions Trophy 2025

Temba Bavuma’s face at the toss, when they were put into bowl first, could tell that South Africa felt a bit short in defending the total. It became even tougher when Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson’s twin centuries put a great platform for the Proteas. Later, the 49-run knock in just 27 deliveries was enough to carry the side to 362/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

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The start of the chase wasn’t ideal for the Rainbow Nation. Even with a 105-run stand for the second wicket, they didn’t get the required momentum in the second innings. Mitchell Santner varied the pace beautifully, and he collected the vital wickets of both Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen to kill the top order.

The pressure of the required rate made Heinrich Klassen play a poor shot on three runs. Miller’s undefeated 100 runs were not enough as they fell short by just 50 runs in the encounter. The southpaw didn’t think much to reveal that he would be supporting New Zealand in the final even after the loss.

David Miller highlights ‘not ideal’ scheduling for Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

India faced New Zealand in the last group-stage encounter, so no one knew the semifinal venues. Even after their victory against England on Saturday evening, South Africa flew to Dubai from Karachi on Sunday to guarantee that they would have enough time to prepare for the earlier semifinal.

Once the results came, the Proteas took the next flight back to Lahore, barely 12 hours after landing in Dubai. Miller has pointed out that their semifinal schedule wasn’t ideal

“It's only an hour-and-40-minute flight, but the fact that we had to do that (was not ideal). It's early morning; it's after a game, and we had to fly. Then we got to Dubai at 4 pm.” David Miller expressed after the semifinal defeat.

“And at 7.30 in the morning, we had to come back. It doesn't make it nice. It's not like we flew five hours, and we had enough time to recover and recuperate. But it was not an ideal situation still.” The left-handed batter of South Africa addressed.

David Miller admits support to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 final

The Natal-born reckoned that even though they got a couple of fifties at the top order, losing wickets at a cluster wasn’t ideal to go after such a huge score.

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“There were really good contributions, a couple of fifties up front. We had an excellent foundation. Unfortunately, in the middle, we lost a couple of wickets too many. At the end of the day, it's a team effort. Everyone's trying out there to do their best.” South Africa’s southpaw explained.

He also admitted that chasing 363 on any surface isn’t an easy job, especially in the absence of the dew, with the wicket getting broken in the second innings. But he selected New Zealand as his confirmed preference.

“India has shown the world how really good they are. They've been playing some good cricket for several years now, and they've got some seriously good players. It's going to be a great game.” South Africa’s star batter concluded.