New Zealand secured a place in the Champions Trophy final by triumphing over South Africa with a score of 362 for six, led by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. The team’s bowlers, especially Mitchell Santner, contributed significantly to a 50-run victory, setting up a final against India in Dubai.
In a thrilling semi-final, New Zealand triumphed over South Africa to secure a spot in the Champions Trophy final against India. The Black Caps set a record score of 362 for six, fueled by centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108) and captain Kane Williamson (102), and clinched the match with a 50-run victory.
Mitchell Santner’s bowling played a pivotal role, as he claimed three wickets for 43 runs. New Zealand’s next match will be in Dubai due to political tensions involving India and Pakistan. The final, a rematch of the 2000 edition, is set to occur on Sunday.
Santner chose to bat first on a promising pitch. Despite losing Will Young for 21, Ravindra and Williamson constructed a solid partnership of 164 runs. Both maintained impressive strike rates over a run per ball, with Ravindra hitting 13 fours and a six, and Williamson producing 10 boundaries and clearing the ropes twice.
South Africa’s bowling struggled to contain the New Zealand batters, who scored 110 runs in the final 10 overs, with Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips contributing quickfire knocks of 49 each. South Africa’s pursuit of a record chase was thwarted as they managed to score only 312 for nine.
Although Temba Bavuma’s side started strong at 125 for one, they faltered as Santner’s crucial wickets of Bavuma (56), Rassie van der Dussen (69), and Heinrich Klaasen (3) put pressure on their innings. David Miller managed to score an unbeaten 100 but could not turn the tide for South Africa amid continuous wickets falling at the other end.
New Zealand’s robust performance in the semi-final, highlighted by record-setting scores and effective bowling, has set the stage for an exciting Champions Trophy final against India. The partnership between Ravindra and Williamson was instrumental in accumulating a substantial total, while Santner’s strategic bowling led to crucial breakthroughs. This victory emphasizes New Zealand’s readiness for the final showdown, hoping to replicate their success from the previous championship match in 2000.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
