In the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 between South Africa and New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, the Proteas' high-flying campaign came to an abrupt halt as the Kiwis thrashed them to reach the final.
The Black Caps secured a dominant 50-run victory, and the aftermath saw South African captain Temba Bavuma become the main target of criticism from fans and analysts as his team went on to choke yet again in a knockout game.
Chasing a challenging target of 363, South Africa started strong, reaching 125 for 1 by the 23rd over. However, they collapsed from 125-1 to 189-5, leaving too much work for the lower order.?Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen had built a promising 105-run partnership for the second wicket, keeping their team in contention. However, both batters were dismissed in quick succession, halting South Africa's momentum.
"Ideally, you would've wanted both of us to keep going ！ at least till the 30th over. We know how destructive our middle order can be in the last 20 overs," Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.?"Unfortunately, we weren't able to set that foundation for them. A bit of a soft dismissal from my side. I think that left too much for our middle order."
Despite a strong start, many fans criticized Bavuma's slow innings！especially in the powerplay！scoring 56 off 71 ballsand being a key factor in the team's defeat and again chocking in a knockout match. David Miller delivered a sensational performance, smashing a century off just 67 balls, but received little support from the other batters, with South Africa ending at 312 for 9.
The match also stirred controversy, as some fans alleged that an in-form player like Tristan Stubbs was sidelined due to "quota" selections, unfairly questioning Bavuma's spot in the lineup.?
One fan wrote, "Imagine having Tristan Stubbs on the bench and Temba Bavuma in the XI because of reservations. Nothing can save South African cricket!"
Another said, "Thanks to Bavuma's outstanding performance, New Zealand has successfully reached the Champions Trophy final. Congratulations to New Zealand."
A user commented, "Bavuma is a perfect example of how quotas can be rigged. Comes from a privileged background, great school, resourceful ！ yet uses quota to stay in the side. His innings have nearly knocked South Africa out of contention against New Zealand. Get someone more deserving."
Another added, "If there's an ounce of shame left in Bavuma, he should retire after this tournament. He¨s a burden on the team."
Despite Miller's heroic effort, South Africa ultimately fell short. "360 was always going to be tough. It needed someone to play an exceptional innings. David did that, but we probably needed someone else to step up as well," Bavuma concluded.?
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