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Miller's impressive ton came after NZ had sealed the game.

Miller’s impressive ton came after NZ had sealed the game. ©Getty

“Vuma! Vuma! Vuma!” The crowd at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore chanted, a rare occurrence for Temba Bavuma. These fans had been deprived of international cricket for years due to security concerns, but now they were witnessing a thrilling match between South Africa and New Zealand.

Despite the excitement, the people of Lahore missed out on seeing their home team play during the Champions Trophy, with matches being held in other cities due to various reasons.

The highly anticipated match between Pakistan and India, which could have been a spectacle, was also moved to Dubai. Security and political issues prevented India from playing in Pakistan, leading to the game being relocated.

The match between South Africa and New Zealand saw a thrilling performance by Bavuma, but ultimately, New Zealand’s strong batting performance led them to victory. South Africa fought back, but New Zealand’s high total was too much to chase down.

New Zealand’s win earned them a spot in the final, where they will face India in Dubai. It will be their seventh ICC final appearance, with hopes of securing their third title.

The match showcased thrilling performances from both teams, with New Zealand ultimately emerging victorious with a strong batting display. They will now prepare to face India in the final, aiming to claim the championship title.

South Africa’s disappointing exit from ICC events continued as they won only six out of 21 knockout matches. Their recent loss to a superior team may sting less than previous disappointments. The team had to fly to Dubai on short notice due to scheduling uncertainties, spending just 18 hours there before heading to Lahore. The possibility of returning to Dubai for the final did not spark much enthusiasm for either South Africa or New Zealand. In contrast, India, who have played multiple matches at the same venue, are accustomed to the short journey. The situation highlights the challenges and uncertainties faced by teams in international tournaments. Overall, it was a tough journey for South Africa, but they will regroup and look ahead to future opportunities.

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