Champions Trophy: New Zealand beat South Africa to set up final clash with India

New Zealand crushed South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (March 5) to win the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy by 50 runs. 

The Kiwis will now meet India in the final of the ICC event on March 9 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. 

Centuries from Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra helped New Zealand set a record breaking target in history of the Champions Trophy of 362.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat against the Proteas which worked wonders for the Mitchell Santner-led side.

Often flying under the radar, the Kiwis once again delivered in a high-pressure knockout game. Meanwhile, South Africa endured yet another heartbreak in an ICC semi-final, adding to their long list of disappointments on the big stage.

South Africa’s bowlers struggled to find their rhythm, and the opposition capitalized brilliantly. Late fireworks from Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips further propelled NZ to a commanding 363, leaving the Proteas with a mountain to climb.

The chase got off to a rocky start as South Africa lost Rickelton early. Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen attempted to rebuild, but Bavuma’s slow scoring rate only added to the pressure. 

Once the skipper fell, the floodgates opened, and wickets tumbled at regular intervals. Mitchell Santner was outstanding, extracting turn and finishing with a crucial three-wicket haul. Michael Bracewell, Rachin, and Phillips also made vital breakthroughs, tightening New Zealand’s grip on the game.

David Miller fought valiantly with a superb century, but the contest was long over by then. New Zealand had already put the result beyond doubt, sealing a comprehensive victory to book their place in the final.

In the first semifinal of Champions Trophy between India and Australia, Virat Kohli’s 84 anchored Men in Blue to a four-wicket win over Australia.

Source: Moneycontrol News
--Agencies