New Zealand outclassed South Africa with a fifty-run Champions Trophy semi-final win on Wednesday in Lahore, booking their place in the final where they will face India on Sunday in Dubai. Classy David Miller’s late blows, striking 100 off 67, including 10 boundaries and four sixes, went in vain as South Africa finished on 312/9 in 50 overs.
Batting first, New Zealand put on a commanding performance, posting a massive 362/6 in 50 overs. Rachin Ravindra (108) and Kane Williamson (102) put on 164 for the second wicket, taking the side to a towering total. Daryl Mitchell played a crucial role in the middle overs, contributing a vital 49 runs off 36 balls. Glenn Phillips, showing his finishing ability, remained unbeaten on 49* off 27, helping New Zealand cross the 360-run mark.
South Africa's chase, however, was never truly on track. Skipper Temba Bavuma exhibited great efforts with (56) and Rassie van der Dussen's (69) provided a solid start, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals, preventing any sustained partnerships. New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner’s three wickets helped slow South Africa’s chase.
Santner, picking up three crucial wickets for just 43 runs in his 10 overs, made it difficult for South African batters to play freely. Other notable contributions came from Glenn Phillips and Matt Henry, who both claimed two wickets each.