New Zealand secured their spot in the Champions Trophy final against India after impressive centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped them claim a 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
Opting to bat first, New Zealand posted a tournament record of 362-6, thanks to a 164-run partnership between Ravindra and Williamson.
South Africa fought back with David Miller scoring an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls, and Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma adding half-centuries, but they ended up at 312-9 in their chase.
Mitchell Santner, captaining New Zealand for the first time in a global tournament, utilized seven bowlers and led from the front with a key 3-43 performance.
“It’s a cool feeling to make the final. We were challenged by a good side,” Santner said after the thrilling match at Gaddafi Stadium. “We were pretty happy with 360, but we knew South Africa’s power would make it a challenge.”
New Zealand lost opener Will Young early, but Ravindra and Williamson formed a formidable second-wicket partnership that put South Africa on the back foot. Williamson was lucky to survive a catch attempt after reaching his fifty, while Ravindra made a flawless 108 off 93 balls before being dismissed by Kagiso Rabada.
Williamson followed shortly after with 102, including 10 fours and 2 sixes. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributed with quickfire 49s, helping New Zealand set the highest team total in the tournament’s history, surpassing Australia’s 356-5.
South Africa responded with a steady partnership between Bavuma (56) and van der Dussen (69), but Santner broke through by removing both set batters and Heinrich Klaasen, which shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. Ravindra also played a key role by dismissing Aiden Markram (31), though Miller’s late charge kept the chase alive.
Despite his explosive knock, Miller’s efforts weren’t enough as South Africa fell short, with Bavuma acknowledging the difficulty of chasing such a massive total.
New Zealand will now face India in Sunday’s final, with India having previously defeated them in a group match. Due to political tensions between India and Pakistan, India has played all their matches in Dubai.
