Rachin Ravindra celebrates his century, setting the tone for New Zealand’s commanding semifinal performance. Image source: olympics
(The Post News)– New Zealand secured a 50-run victory over South Africa in the Champions Trophy semifinal at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. Centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson powered the Black Caps to an imposing total of 362-6, before captain Mitchell Santner’s three-wicket haul curtailed South Africa’s chase, restricting them to 312-9.
Despite a defiant unbeaten century from David Miller, the Proteas fell short of their target. Miller’s aggressive 100 off just 67 balls, laced with 10 fours and four sixes, provided some resistance. His last-wicket partnership with Lungi Ngidi yielded 56 runs, with Ngidi facing only two deliveries and contributing a single run. However, the Proteas’ hopes of a miraculous turnaround were always unlikely.
New Zealand’s innings was anchored by contrasting yet equally masterful centuries. Ravindra’s stylish 108 off 101 balls featured classic cover drives and late cuts, punctuated by 13 boundaries and a six over long-on. His innings ended when he edged a delivery from Kagiso Rabada to Heinrich Klaasen behind the stumps.
Williamson, ever the tactician, navigated the placid pitch with precision, finding gaps and rotating the strike effectively. His composed 102 off 94 balls included 10 fours and two sixes before an attempted scoop shot off Wiaan Mulder found Ngidi at short fine leg.
Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27) provided late fireworks, punishing South Africa’s bowlers to push the total well past 350. The Proteas’ pace trio—Marco Jansen (0-79), Rabada (2-70), and Ngidi (3-72)—all struggled, while Keshav Maharaj (0-65) failed to stem the flow in the middle overs.
Chasing 363, the Proteas got off to a steady start, with Rassie van der Dussen (69 off 66) and Temba Bavuma (56 off 71) stitching together a 105-run stand for the second wicket. However, Santner turned the tide, dismissing both Bavuma and Van der Dussen in quick succession. Heinrich Klaasen’s attempted slog ended in a simple catch, reducing South Africa from a promising 161-2 to a precarious 167-4.
Aiden Markram’s departure for 31 and the dismissals of Wiaan Mulder (8) and Marco Jansen (3) further dented the chase. With the required run rate soaring, even Miller’s valiant century couldn’t rescue South Africa, who once again fell short in a crunch match.
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