LAHORE – South Africa couldn’t break free from the ‘chokers’ label, suffering a 50-run defeat against New Zealand in the second ICC Champions Trophy semifinal.
In the match at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first.
Batting first, New Zealand posted 362 runs for the loss of 6 wickets. In response, South Africa could only manage 312 runs for 9 wickets in 50 overs.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson shined for New Zealand, both scoring centuries and adding 164 runs for the second wicket.
Ravindra scored 108 runs, hitting 13 fours and a six, while Williamson made 102 runs, including 2 sixes and 10 fours. Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips also contributed — Mitchell scored 49 before getting out, while Phillips remained unbeaten on 49.
Chasing 363, South Africa’s David Miller played a fighting knock of 100 runs off 67 balls but couldn’t secure a win for his team.
Rassie van der Dussen scored 69, and captain Temba Bavuma added 56 runs. Heinrich Klaasen managed just 3, and Aiden Markram scored 31.
For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner took 3 wickets, while Phillips and Matt Henry bagged 2 each.
India already qualified for the final after defeating Australia in the first semifinal. The Champions Trophy final between New Zealand and India will be played on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
