CRICKET – NEW Zealand booked their place in the final of the Champions Trophy against India after sparkling hundreds by Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson helped them earn a 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final yesterday.
Electing to bat, New Zealand racked up a tournament record 362-6 on the back of a 164-run stand between Ravindra and Williamson.
David Miller smashed an unbeaten 100 off 67 balls while Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma struck half-centuries but South Africa managed 312-9 in reply.
Mitchell Santner, captaining New Zealand in a global tournament for the first time, used seven bowlers and led by example with a match-turning 3-43.
“It’s a cool feeling (to make the final). We were challenged by a good side,” Santner said after the runfest at the Gaddafi Stadium.
“We were pretty happy with 360 obviously but we know with the power South Africa have, it was going to be a challenge.”
“363 was always going to be tough,” Bavuma said.
“We needed someone to play well. David did that but we needed someone else.
“Credit to their batters, they put us under pressure.”
New Zealand will fly to Dubai for Sunday’s final against India, who prevailed when the sides faced each other in a group match.
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