Credit: ICC
In the second Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against South Africa in Lahore, Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson produced exquisite knocks from their bats to help New Zealand post a massive total of 362/6 on the board. At the toss, the Kiwi skipper Mitchell Santner emerged victorious and he elected to bat first. Ravindra exuded confidence with his bat from the start of the game as he played some fine strokes against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack. His opening partner Will Young fell in the eighth over which led to the arrival of Kane Williamson at the crease.
Along with Williamson, Ravindra stitched a 164-run partnership off 154 balls and handed New Zealand momentum. Ravindra brought his hundred off just 93 balls and added the fifth ton to his profile. After completing his century, the southpaw looked to intensify attack on bowlers but lost his wicket to Kagiso Rabada who got him caught behind the stumps at the hands of the stumper Heinrich Klassen. Ravindra went back to the dugout after scoring 108 off 101.
Kane Williamson also looked extraordinary with his bat and took the Protea bowling unit to the cleaners. The veteran went on to slam his 15th ODI ton in just 91 balls. Williamson concluded his innings after scoring 102 off 94 with the help of 12 boundaries (10 fours and two maximums).
New Zealand have set record chase for South Africa in CT history
South Africa have tasked New Zealand to chase down the massive score of 363 runs. If the Proteas succeed to achieve the total, they will become the team to pull off the biggest target successfully in white-ball ICC tournaments. Earlier in this competition, Australia got success in following the target of 352 against England at the same venue and went into record books as the team with the highest successful run-chase in the limited-over ICC competitions.
Team India are already in the final of the mega event after beating Australia by four wickets in the first semi-final on March 4. Today’s winner will be seen clashing against the Men in Blue in the final clash to be held in Dubai on March 9.
