Opening batter Rachin Ravindra and experienced Kane Williamson struck anchoring half-centuries to power New Zealand to a huge total against South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Batting first provided fortune for New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner when his batting team produced 362/6 in the designated 50 overs. Openers Will Young and Ravindra gave a strong 48-run partnership till the former fell victim to Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over, so starting their innings rather nicely.
Following the early glitch, Williamson joined Ravindra in the middle and, with a long partnership that produced 164 runs off 154 deliveries, placed New Zealand in a dominant position.
After top-scoring with 108 off 101 deliveries, studded with 13 fours and a six, the second-wicket stand finally ended with the departure of the opener in the 34th over and walked back.
Following a modest 39-run partnership for the third wicket with Daryl Mitchell, Williamson then raised his 15th ODI century. But soon after setting the mark, the right-handed batsman perished. He laced ten fours and two sixes into his 102 off 94 deliveries.
Mitchell and Glenn Phillips supplied a late push to New Zealand’s score with fast knocks after being dismissed. Mitchell and Phillips scored 49 apiece from 37 and 27 balls respectively; Michael Bracewell made 12-ball 16.
Taking three wickets for 72 runs in his ten overs, Ngidi was South Africa’s best bowler; Rabada took two.
