Rassie van der Dussen’s Potential Farewell: Proteas Fall Short in Champions Trophy Semi-Final

If the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy was indeed Rassie van der Dussen’s final major tournament, the 36-year-old bowed out with mixed emotions. His solid knock of 69 off 66 balls was not enough to prevent South Africa’s 50-run semi-final loss to New Zealand.

Van der Dussen has been a pillar of consistency for the Proteas throughout the tournament, registering half-centuries in three consecutive matches. He notched up 72 off 87 balls against England and 52 off 46 against Afghanistan, proving that he remains a key contributor despite acknowledging that this could be his last ICC tournament.

While Van der Dussen (69), Temba Bavuma (56 off 71), and David Miller (100*) stood out with the bat, the rest of the Proteas lineup failed to chase New Zealand’s daunting total of 363. The pressure of yet another high-stakes ICC semi-final proved too much, continuing South Africa’s history of faltering on the big stage.

Proteas Batsman Rassie van Der Dussen says the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy may be his last big tournament. pic.twitter.com/UIt9pgiRxD

— Jehran Daniel (@JehranD) February 28, 2025

Reflecting on his future, Van der Dussen remained open-ended, stating:

“I think it’s definitely a possibility that this is my last ICC tournament. I’m not saying that with any preconceived idea that I’ll call time on it or that management will call time on my career.”

He acknowledged the rise of young talent, adding:

“There are so many good players coming through, and I’m not blind to the fact that if I don’t perform, someone will be there to take my place.”

Despite the Proteas’ deep talent pool, their inability to deliver in knockout matches remains a concern. Van der Dussen’s composed batting was one of the few steadying factors in the campaign, but his potential retirement could leave an even bigger void.

David Miller, one of the few players proven to thrive under pressure, was once again South Africa’s standout performer, scoring a superb unbeaten century. However, at 35, his own international career may also be entering its final stretch.

Head coach Rob Walter pointed to a crucial period in the match as the turning point—the last ten overs of New Zealand’s innings. The Proteas conceded 100 runs during this phase, allowing the Black Caps to post an imposing total.

The partnership between Kane Williamson (102 off 94) and Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101) proved particularly damaging. Kagiso Rabada finally broke the stand in the 34th over, but by then, the Proteas were already on the back foot.

Rabada finished with figures of 2 for 10 from 10 overs, while Lungi Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with 3 for 72. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent another semi-final heartbreak.

With uncertainty surrounding Van der Dussen’s future and key players like Miller approaching the twilight of their careers, the Proteas face an urgent need to groom new match-winners. Without a shift in mentality and the ability to absorb pressure in crunch moments, South Africa’s ICC trophy drought could continue indefinitely.

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