SA vs NZ [WATCH]: Mitchell Santner cleans up Rassie van der Dussen with a jaffa in Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner delivered a game-changing moment in the Champions Trophy 2025 semifinal against South Africadismissing Rassie van der Dussen with a peach of a delivery. With the Proteas chasing a formidable target of 363, Van der Dussen was looking solid at the crease, anchoring the innings for his team. However, Santner’s brilliance with the ball turned the tide in New Zealand’s favor.

A Lethal Delivery Ends Rassie van der Dussen’s Resistance

The dismissal came in the 27th over when Santner bowled a delivery that drifted in before straightening sharply after pitching. Van der Dussen, who had been watchful until then, attempted to work the ball towards the leg side but completely misjudged the line. His bat closed too early, and the ball sneaked past his defense, rattling the middle stump. It was a dream delivery for any spinner—sharp, accurate, and timed perfectly to break the opposition’s momentum.

Van der Dussen had been a crucial part of South Africa’s batting order, and his wicket sent a wave of celebration through the New Zealand camp. The Kiwis, led by their captain Santner, were mounting pressure with tight bowling and strategic field placements.

Also READ: SA vs NZ: Rachin Ravindra shatters Shikhar Dhawan’s long-standing record in ICC ODI Tournaments

South Africa in deep trouble

With van der Dussen’s dismissal, South Africa found themselves in deep trouble, losing their eighth wicket at the 218-run mark in the 40th over. With a required run rate climbing and wickets tumbling, the Proteas’ hopes of making it to the final were fading quickly.

Santner, who had already been economical throughout his spell, showcased why he is one of the best spinners in white-ball cricket. His ability to extract turn and deceive batters under pressure was on full display, making life difficult for the South African middle order.

As the game moved towards the final overs, New Zealand had a firm grip on proceedings, and it was up to the South African lower order to produce something extraordinary to keep their title hopes alive.

Here is the video:

🎯 pic.twitter.com/KVNKCjW07g

— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos) March 5, 2025

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