Lahore: New Zealand marched into the final of the ICC Champions Trophy after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, the Black Caps posted a mammoth 362 for six, powered by scintillating centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. In response, South Africa could only manage 312 for nine in their allotted 50 overs, despite a valiant century from David Miller.
New Zealand’s innings got off to a steady start before Lungi Ngidi struck in the eighth over to dismiss Will Young for 21. However, Ravindra and Williamson took charge with a commanding 164-run partnership for the second wicket, dismantling the Proteas’ bowling attack.
Ravindra played an exceptional knock of 108 off 101 balls, studded with 13 boundaries and a six. His elegant yet aggressive strokeplay set the tone for New Zealand’s dominance. He eventually fell to Kagiso Rabada in the 34th over.
Williamson, ever the anchor, showcased his class with a composed 102 off 94 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. His calculated innings ensured New Zealand maintained their momentum even after Ravindra’s dismissal. He was eventually caught by Ngidi off Wiaan Mulder in the 40th over.
Daryl Mitchell chipped in with a brisk 49 off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 49 off just 27 deliveries. Michael Bracewell (16) and captain Mitchell Santner (2 not out) helped New Zealand breach the 350-run mark.
South Africa’s fielding woes proved costly, with crucial dropped catches aiding New Zealand’s charge. In the 29th over, Heinrich Klaasen missed a tough chance to dismiss Williamson off Ngidi’s bowling. Two overs later, South Africa burned a review when they unsuccessfully challenged a caught-behind appeal against Ravindra.
The Proteas' misery continued in the 44th over when Mulder put down a regulation chance at deep backward square leg, giving Mitchell a reprieve.
For South Africa, Ngidi was the pick of the bowlers with 3/72, while Rabada returned figures of 2/70. Wiaan Mulder took one wicket but was expensive, conceding 48 runs in six overs.
Chasing a daunting target of 363, South Africa suffered an early setback when Ryan Rickelton fell to Matt Henry for 17 in the fifth over. Skipper Temba Bavuma played a steady hand with 56 off 71 balls before being caught by Williamson off Santner.
Rassie van der Dussen tried to rebuild with a well-compiled 69, but wickets fell at regular intervals. Heinrich Klaasen struggled before perishing for just three, while Aiden Markram added 31 before being dismissed by Ravindra.
Miller kept South Africa’s hopes alive with a scintillating unbeaten century, scoring an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, including 10 boundaries and four sixes. However, he found little support from the lower order, with Mulder (8), Marco Jansen (3), and Keshav Maharaj (1) falling cheaply.
New Zealand’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Matt Henry (2/43) and Mitchell Santner (3/43) playing key roles in dismantling the South African batting lineup.
Glenn Phillips chipped in with two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Jansen, which came after a successful review in the 38th over. The original decision was not out, but replays confirmed three reds on ball-tracking, overturning the call and sending Jansen back.
With this victory, New Zealand booked their place in the ICC Champions Trophy final, where they will face India. The final is set to take place in Dubai on Sunday.
