NZ vs SA | Kiwis overpower Proteas to set up final date with India

Yesterday at 10:24 PM

Twin centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson ensured the New Zealand set South Africa a mammoth target of 363 in the second semi-final in Lahore. South Africa looked to be on course before a Mitchell Santner spell left the Proteas in a heap of trouble culminating in a 50 run win.

Winning the toss, the Kiwis opted to bat first on a flat Lahore wicket. The opening duo started off watchfully scoring at five an over in the first six overs before Rachin Ravindra’s three boundaries in a Marco Jansen to up the scoring. However, with Will Young holing out to Markram in the next over, New Zealand found themselves with 48 on the board in eight overs. The incoming Kane Williamson, along with Ravindra, kept the scoreboard ticking the score for 87/1 at the end of 15 overs. The rebuild continued post that as well with the duo aggregating another 94 runs in 15 overs with both batters past the fifty run mark.

Ravindra was the first to bring up his century but could not capitalize post that as he edged a Rabada delivery to Klassen in the 35th over. Williamson followed suit five overs later bringing up his century and conceding his wicket in the 40th over with the scoreboard reading 252/3. Just when it appeared that South Africa were getting a foothold back in the game, with the score at 279/4 in 44 overs, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Philips opened up their arms to smoke Ngidi and Jansen for 17 and 18 runs respectively. Even though the former was dismissed, the latter picked up the pieces adding 38 runs in the last three overs to hand the Proteas a target of 363 for a place in the final.

In response, South Africa came out with a one-two punch with Temba Bavuma playing the anchor and Ryan Rickleton taking some chances. The latter looked in good touch before handing Bracewell a dolly with the score at just 20 runs. Rassie van der Dussen stabilized the innings with his captain ensuring the team got to 54 by the end of the powerplay. The duo continued to play a watchful brand of cricket to add 51 over the next 10 overs. By then, however, Mitch Santner has come into the picture and started piling on the pressure.

The Kiwi skipper induced a poor shot from Bavuma (56) to send the packing. Three overs later he accounted for van der Dussen’s (69) wicket as well before dismissing the dangerous Klassen in his next over to leave the Proteas reeling at 174/4 in 30 overs. After Markram tossed one back to Ravindra, Mulder, Jansen and Maharaj also found their way back to the dressing room without any serious contributions. The quick flurry of wickets saw South Africa needing 140 in the last 10 overs. David Miller (100*) put up a fight towards the fag end but it was too little too late as New Zealand booked their ticket to the final by 50 runs.

Washed

South Africa's dominating performance in group stages are always an eyewash
— AntiBazballian 🏏 (@rs_3702)

Same old story

South Africa in every ICC tournament
— Binod (@wittybinod)

Obvious

It is obvious that if South Africa wins the match, they will definitely lose if they face India in the final. A good final match would be between India and New Zealand. I hope New Zealand will win against India in the final. What do you think?
— 𝙕𝙤𝙮𝙖 𝙆𝙝𝙖𝙣 ❤️ (@rnique22)

Unfortunate

icc cricket last one year South Africa has been the most unfortunate team in the world, having lost all the finals or semi-finals, be it men or women.

— आदित्य यादव (@YadavAditya01)

Learning time

South Africa as soon as the knockout matches came
— 😼 (@MasterrGogo)

Lone warrior

DAVID MILLER FIGHT ALONE OF SOUTH AFRICA TEAM IN SENI FINAL.....!!!!!
— Vikas Yadav (@VikasYadav66200)

Too good

Kane Williamson last 3 innings against South Africa:

106* in 2019 World Cup

133* in recent Triangular series

102 in Champions Trophy semifinal

Started his love affair with South Africa with quick 38* in low scoring 2011 World Cup Quarter Final...
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek)

He just can't