New Zealand triumphed over South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal of the Champions Trophy, securing their place in the final against India on Sunday.
Opting to bat first on Wednesday, New Zealand posted a tournament-record 362-6 at Gaddafi Stadium. The Black Caps’ innings was powered by magnificent centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, who both played vital roles in propelling their team to a massive total.
South Africa fought back through an explosive 100 not out from David Miller, who faced 67 balls to bring up his century off the final ball of the match. Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma also contributed with half-centuries, but South Africa fell short, finishing on 312-9.
New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, led from the front with the ball, taking 3-43 and using seven bowlers in a bid to restrict South Africa’s chase.
From the outset, New Zealand’s top order dominated, with Ravindra scoring a brilliant 108 off 101 balls and Williamson contributing 102 from 94 balls. The batting-friendly pitch allowed them to take control after New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first.
Daryl Mitchell added a quick-fire 49 off 37 balls, while Glenn Phillips contributed a blistering 27-ball 49 not out, as New Zealand piled on 110 runs in the final 10 overs and 66 runs in the last five.
South Africa’s bowling attack struggled early on as Ravindra and Will Young (21) put on 48 for the first wicket.
This was followed by a superb 164-run partnership between Ravindra and Williamson, which put New Zealand in a commanding position.
Ravindra reached his fifth ODI hundred – all of which had come in ICC events – off 93 balls, with a two off Kagiso Rabada.
Williamson brought up his 15th ODI century with a ramped boundary, marking his third consecutive hundred against South Africa.
Rabada eventually broke the partnership, dismissing Ravindra caught behind after he had struck 13 fours and one six.
Williamson was dismissed by Wiaan Mulder in the 40th over, caught by Lungi Ngidi, after hitting 10 fours and two sixes.
Mitchell and Phillips added the finishing touches as South Africa briefly stemmed the flow of runs, hoping to restrict New Zealand to a total under 350.
Ngidi claimed 3-72, while Rabada ended with figures of 2-70.
Australia had posted the previous highest Champions Trophy total of 356-5 in a successful chase against England in the group stage, also in Lahore, giving South Africa a glimmer of hope as they set out to chase the large target.
A solid 100-run partnership between Bavuma and van der Dussen gave South Africa hope of mounting a successful chase, but the pressure of the required run rate soon took its toll.
Six wickets fell for just 57 runs, effectively sealing the game for New Zealand.
Miller’s remarkable hitting, including his century, demonstrated what was possible in modern-day cricket, but the collapse of the middle order meant that his efforts came too late.
Had the middle order been able to withstand the pressure, Miller’s late surge could have given South Africa the lift they needed to reach the final.
New Zealand’s bowlers, however, must quickly shake off the damage caused by Miller, especially with the formidable Indian batting lineup, featuring Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli, awaiting them in the final.
