Credit: X
South Africa have looked shaky in the run chase against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 second semi-final at Gaddafi Stadium. Following a colossal target of 363, the Protea side lost their opener Ryan Rickelton early in the fifth over of the innings. The left-handed batter lost his wicket to pacer Matt Henry while attempting to play aggressive cricket. After the southpaw’ departure, the responsibility was on captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen. Bavuma looked nervous in the start but gained confidence and went on to score a fifty.
Dussen looked in brilliant touch with his bat in the chase. Standing with his skipper in the middle, he built a run-a-ball 105-run partnership. The right-handed batter completed his fifty off 51 balls. Dussen got dismissed after scoring 69 off 66 but his batting effort is getting hailed by netizens as they are showering praise on the 36-year-old. Noting Dussen’s brilliant innings, a username with Cricketism celebrated his fifty on X and wrote, "50 for Rassie Van Der Dussen as well !! He’s in superb form - his 3 consecutive 50+ score !!"
Below are some of the posts on X hailing Rassie van der Dussen for his innings:
South Africa found themselves in crunch situation after Dussen’s dismissal
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner stepped up in the 27th over of the match and got rid of dangerous Dussen. The spin wizard cleaned up the right-handed Protea and handed the much-needed breakthrough to his team. After picking up Dussen, Santner also got the better of Heinrich Klassen, who lost his wicket after scoring only three off seven. The Protea team will expect Aiden Markram and David Miller to produce impactful knocks to complete the chase.
South Africa will heavily rely on the current pair to win the game. Both batters are known for their fierce batting style and if they turn up aggressively against the Kiwi bowling attack, the Protea side can script history.
