New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner delivered a game-changing second within the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal towards South Africa, dismissing Rassie van der Dussen with a peach of a supply. With the Proteas chasing a formidable goal of 363, Van der Dussen was wanting strong on the crease, anchoring the innings for his staff. Nevertheless, Santner’s brilliance with the ball turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor.
A deadly supply ends Rassie van der Dussen’s resistance
The dismissal got here within the twenty seventh over when Santner bowled a supply that drifted in earlier than straightening sharply after pitching. Van der Dussen, who had been watchful till then, tried to work the ball in direction of the leg facet however utterly misjudged the road. His bat closed too early, and the ball sneaked previous his protection, rattling the center stump. It was a dream supply for any spinner—sharp, correct, and timed completely to interrupt the opposition’s momentum.
Van der Dussen had been an important a part of South Africa’s batting order, and his wicket despatched a wave of celebration by way of the New Zealand camp. The Kiwis, led by their captain Santner, had been mounting stress with tight bowling and strategic area placements.
Additionally READ: SA vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra shatters Shikhar Dhawan’s long-standing report in ICC ODI Tournaments
South Africa in serious trouble
With van der Dussen’s dismissal, South Africa discovered themselves in serious trouble, dropping their eighth wicket on the 218-run mark within the fortieth over. With a required run fee climbing and wickets tumbling, the Proteas’ hopes of constructing it to the ultimate had been fading rapidly.
Santner, who had already been economical all through his spell, showcased why he is without doubt one of the greatest spinners in white-ball cricket. His capability to extract flip and deceive batters beneath stress was on full show, making life tough for the South African center order.
As the sport moved in direction of the ultimate overs, New Zealand had a agency grip on proceedings, and it was as much as the South African decrease order to supply one thing extraordinary to maintain their title hopes alive.
Right here is the video:
— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) March 5, 2025