Lahore, Mar 5 (UNI) Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson lit up Gaddafi Stadium with scintillating centuries, powering New Zealand to a commanding 362 for six against South Africa in the second semifinal of the ICC Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
The total etched its place in history as one of the highest in ICC ODI knockout matches, ranking third behind India’s 397/4 against New Zealand in the 2023 World Cup semifinal and New Zealand’s 393/6 against West Indies in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal. Notably, it also set a new benchmark for the highest first-innings total in Champions Trophy history, surpassing England’s 351/8 against Australia in the same tournament.
After an early hiccup with opener Will Young (21) falling to Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over, Ravindra and Williamson took control, dismantling the South African bowling attack with a majestic 164-run stand for the second wicket. Ravindra, in red-hot form, unleashed a dazzling array of strokes, smashing 108 off 101 balls. His innings, punctuated by 13 boundaries and a six, was a perfect blend of elegance and aggression. Looking to up the ante, he eventually perished to Kagiso Rabada in the 34th over.
Williamson, at his composed best, anchored the innings with a masterful 102 off 94 balls. The former New Zealand skipper manipulated the field with surgical precision, his innings featuring 10 fours and two sixes. Even after Ravindra’s departure, he ensured the momentum never dipped, before falling in the 40th over, caught by Ngidi off Wiaan Mulder.
Daryl Mitchell provided a brisk 49 off 37 balls before Ngidi struck again. Tom Latham had a rare off-day, bowled by Rabada for just four. However, Glenn Phillips ensured a rousing finish, hammering an unbeaten 49 off just 27 balls, propelling the Black Caps past the 350-run mark. Michael Bracewell (16) fell in the final over, while captain Mitchell Santner remained unbeaten on two.
This match also marked only the second time New Zealand had crossed the 300-run mark against South Africa in ODIs, the last instance being their 305-run chase at the same venue during a recent tri-series. It was only the sixth instance of multiple centuries in a Champions Trophy innings, the most recent occurrence being Will Young and Tom Latham’s feat against Pakistan in Karachi earlier in this edition.
For South Africa, Ngidi was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 3/72 from his 10 overs. Rabada picked up 2/70, while Mulder claimed one wicket but was expensive, conceding 48 runs in six overs. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram kept things tight but remained wicketless.
New Zealand lost their wickets at 48, 212, 251, 257, 314, and 360. The powerplay yielded a solid 56 runs, setting up the foundation for the middle-order assault.
New Zealand’s dominance with the bat underscores their growing reputation as a formidable force in ICC knockout matches. Their ability to both set and chase daunting targets could prove pivotal as they aim for the title.
With a massive total on the board, South Africa now face a stiff challenge under the lights at
the Gaddafi, with New Zealand’s bowlers ready to pile on the pressure.
New Zealand 362/6 in 50 overs (Ravindra 108, Williamson 102, Phillips 49*; Ngidi 3/72, Rabada 2/70)
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