CT25 : Ravindra , Williamson centuries help New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs & reach final

 

New Zealand secured their place in the final of the Champions Trophy by defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final on Wednesday. Once again, South Africa failed to shed their “chokers” tag in an ICC knockout match.

Batting first, New Zealand posted a formidable total of 362/6. In response, Temba Bavuma’s South Africa could only manage 312 runs before being bowled out. The architects of New Zealand’s victory were Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra, both of whom scored centuries on the Lahore pitch. Their dominance left South Africa struggling, with even David Miller’s brilliant century proving insufficient.

New Zealand Sets a New Record

In the semi-final, New Zealand set a new record for the highest team total in Champions Trophy history. The previous record was held by Australia, who scored 356/5 against England on the same Lahore pitch on February 22. New Zealand surpassed that by posting 362/6, a total that South Africa ultimately failed to chase.

Williamson and Ravindra Lead the Charge

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that paid off as the pitch was favorable for batting. Despite losing opener Will Young early for 21, Williamson and Ravindra built a solid partnership for the second wicket, adding 164 runs.

Ravindra, of Indian descent, played a magnificent innings of 108 off 101 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six. While he anchored one end, Williamson gradually increased his scoring rate. The experienced batter eventually smashed 102 off 94 balls, with 10 fours and 2 sixes.

Towards the end, Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27) played aggressive cameos, pushing New Zealand past the 350-run mark.

South African Bowlers Struggle

None of South Africa’s bowlers could contain the New Zealand batters. Lungi Ngidi was the most successful bowler, taking 3 wickets for 72 runs. Kagiso Rabada claimed 2 wickets for 70 runs, while Wiaan Mulder picked up 1 wicket for 48 runs.

South Africa’s Chase Falters Despite Miller’s Heroics

Chasing 363, South Africa’s innings started under pressure. Opener Ryan Rickelton fell for 17 off 12 balls, leaving them at 20/1. Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen then steadied the innings with a 105-run stand for the second wicket.

However, Bavuma’s slow knock of 56 off 71 balls made the required run rate tougher to maintain. Van der Dussen played more aggressively, scoring 69 off 66 balls. But once their partnership was broken, South Africa lost wickets in quick succession.

Aiden Markram (31 off 29), Heinrich Klaasen (3 off 7), and Mulder (8 off 13) were dismissed cheaply, leaving South Africa reeling at 200/6 after 36 overs. At that point, New Zealand’s victory was almost certain.

David Miller fought bravely, smashing an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls with 10 fours and 4 sixes. However, he lacked support from the other end. Rabada tried to contribute, scoring 16 off 22 balls, but it wasn’t enough to change the outcome.

New Zealand’s Bowlers Seal the Win

Santner was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 3 wickets for 43 runs. Phillips impressed with 2 wickets for 27 runs, while Matt Henry also grabbed 2 wickets, conceding 43 runs. Rachin Ravindra (1/20) and Mitchell Bracewell (1/53) chipped in as well.

With this win, New Zealand advances to the Champions Trophy final, while South Africa’s wait for an ICC title continues.