LAHORE: New Zealand’s spin attack proved too formidable for South Africa as they struggled to chase an imposing total in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday night.
Despite a valiant unbeaten century from David Miller, achieved on the last ball of the innings, South Africa faced an uphill battle against a dominant New Zealand side. Once Rassie van der Dussen fell to a stunning delivery from Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner in the 27th over, with the score at 161-2, the Proteas’ hopes quickly faded. A four-pronged spin attack, led by Santner, collectively claimed seven wickets, ensuring New Zealand never relinquished control after setting a record Champions Trophy total of 362-6, thanks to stellar centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra was named Player of the Match.
New Zealand’s total surpassed the previous tournament record of 356, set by Australia while chasing against England at the same venue.
South Africa’s Chase Falters Under Spin Pressure
South Africa’s pursuit of the mammoth target got off to a shaky start when Ryan Rickelton fell in the fifth over, caught by Michael Bracewell off Matt Henry for 17.
Captain Temba Bavuma and van der Dussen cautiously rebuilt, steering South Africa to 50 in 9.2 overs and 100 in the 18th. Bavuma reached his seventh ODI fifty off 64 balls before falling for 56, caught by Williamson at backward point off Santner. His partnership of 105 with van der Dussen had kept South Africa in the game, but his departure triggered a collapse.
Van der Dussen, well-set on 69 off 66 balls, was undone by a brilliant delivery from Santner that crashed into his middle stump. Heinrich Klaasen, attempting to counterattack, perished for seven, caught at long-on off Santner as the required run rate climbed past eight per over.
Aiden Markram’s dismissal for 31, caught and bowled by Ravindra, left South Africa at 200-5 in 33 overs, with the required rate nearing 10 per over. Wiaan Mulder (8) was caught at deep square leg off Bracewell, followed by Marco Jansen (3) and Keshav Maharaj (1), who both fell to part-time off-spinner Glenn Phillips.
At 218-8 with 145 runs needed from 63 balls, South Africa’s chances were slim. Kagiso Rabada’s departure at 256-9 sealed their fate, though Miller’s late onslaught provided some consolation. His 100 off 67 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, was supported by a last-wicket stand of 56 with Lungi Ngidi. Miller reached his seventh ODI century in the final over, which yielded 18 runs off Kyle Jamieson, but it was too little, too late.
Santner finished with 3-43, while Phillips (2-27), Bracewell (1-53), and Ravindra (1-20) ensured South Africa never recovered. Henry contributed with two wickets as well.
Williamson and Ravindra Power New Zealand to Record Total
Earlier, Ravindra and Williamson propelled New Zealand to a daunting total after opting to bat on a batting-friendly track.
Will Young fell for 21, caught at mid-off off Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over, but Ravindra and Williamson took charge. The pair played aggressive yet controlled innings, reaching 100 in 17.3 overs. Williamson’s 94-ball 102, featuring 10 fours and two sixes, marked his 15th ODI century, while Ravindra smashed 108 off 101 balls, notching his fifth ODI ton and second of the tournament.
Ravindra’s century came off 93 balls in the 34th over, helping New Zealand cross 200 in 32 overs. His innings ended when he was deceived by a slower delivery from Rabada and caught behind. Williamson, having reached 50 off 61 balls, accelerated, scoring his next 50 in just 30 balls before being caught off Wiaan Mulder for 102.
At 251-3 in the 40th over, South Africa saw a brief respite, but New Zealand plundered 110 runs off the last 10 overs. Tom Latham (4) was bowled by Rabada, but Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Phillips (49* off 27) added a rapid 57 off 30 balls. Bracewell’s 16 off 12 ensured New Zealand set a record total.
Among South African bowlers, only Markram (4-23) impressed. Ngidi (3-72), Rabada (2-70), and Mulder (1-48) took wickets, but all proved expensive. Jansen (0-79) and Maharaj (0-65) failed to contain New Zealand’s charge.
Scoreboard
New Zealand:
W. Young c Markram b Ngidi 21
R. Ravindra c Klaasen b Rabada 108
K. Williamson c Ngidi b Mulder 102
D. Mitchell c Rabada b Ngidi 49
T. Latham b Rabada 4
G. Phillips not out 49
M. Bracewell c Rickelton b Ngidi 16
M. Santner not out 2
Extras: (LB-5, W-6) 11
Total: (6 wickets, 50 overs) 362
Fall of wickets: 1-48, 2-212, 3-251, 4-257, 5-314, 6-360
Bowling: Jansen 10-0-79-0, Ngidi 10-0-72-3, Rabada 10-1-70-2, Mulder 6-0-48-1, Maharaj 10-0-65-0, Markram 4-0-23-0
South Africa:
R. Rickelton c Bracewell b Henry 17
T. Bavuma c Williamson b Santner 56
R. van der Dussen b Santner 69
A. Markram c&b Ravindra 31
H. Klaasen c Henry b Santner 3
D. Miller not out 100
W. Mulder c Ravindra b Bracewell 8
M. Jansen lbw Phillips 3
K. Maharaj c Latham b Phillips 1
K. Rabada c Phillips b Henry 16
L. Ngidi not out 1
Extras: (W-7) 7
Total: (9 wickets, 50 overs) 312
Fall of wickets: 1-20, 2-125, 3-161, 4-167, 5-189, 6-200, 7-212, 8-218, 9-256
Bowling: Henry 7-0-43-2, Jamieson 7-1-57-0, Santner 10-1-43-3, Bracewell 10-0-53-1, Ravindra 5-0-20-1, Phillips 3-0-27-2
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