New Zealand's Kane Williamson, left, celebrates with batting partner Daryl Mitchell after scoring a century during the ICC Champions Trophy semifinal cricket match between New Zealand and South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan, Wednesday, March 5, 2025. (AP Photo/K.M Chaudary)

New Zealand smashed the highest ever team total in Champions Trophy history when they put up 362/6 against South Africa in the 2nd semifinal in Lahore on Wednesday. This is the 3rd time that the highest total in the history of the tournament has been breached in the 2025 edition alone with England's 351/8 chased down by Australia when they scored 356/5 last month in their Group B encounter.

Before that, the highest ever score was also held by the Kiwis when they had scored 347/4 against USA at the Oval in 2004. Hosts Pakistan's 338/4 in Oval in 2017 against India is currently in the 5th position.

New Zealand's 362/6 was also the 3rd highest team total in the history of the ICC tournament knockout ties, coming behind India's 397/4 against the Kiwis in the ODI World Cup 2023 semifinal and the Black Caps' 393/6 against West Indies in the ODI World Cup 2015 quarterfinals.

In the match on Wednesday, both Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson scored centuries while Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips chipped in with quickfire knocks to help the Kiwis post the massive total.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy here Wednesday.

The winner of the contest will face India, who beat Australia in the first semifinal on Tuesday, in the summit clash in Dubai on Sunday.

New Zealand retained their playing XI for this knockout clash whereas South Africa made one change, with skipper Temba Bavuma coming back into the side replacing Tristan Stubbs.

Highest team scores in Champions Trophy

New Zealand 362/6 vs South Africa in Lahore, 2025

Australia 356/5 vs England in Lahore, 2025

England 351/8 vs Australia in Lahore, 2025

New Zealand 347/4 vs New Zealand, in the Oval, 2004

Pakistan 338/4 vs India, the Oval, 2017Highest team scores in Champions Trophy

New Zealand 362/6 vs South Africa in Lahore, 2025

Australia 356/5 vs England in Lahore, 2025

England 351/8 vs Australia in Lahore, 2025

New Zealand 347/4 vs New Zealand, in the Oval, 2004

Pakistan 338/4 vs India, the Oval, 2017