New Zealand crush South Africa to set up final against India

New Zealand stormed into the Champions Trophy final with a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. 

They will now face India in the title clash in Dubai on Sunday.  

Despite a sensational unbeaten century from David Miller (100 off 67 balls) and fifties from Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, South Africa fell short in their chase of 363. Mitchell Santner played a crucial role with the ball, taking 3 for 43 to derail the Proteas’ pursuit.  

Earlier, New Zealand set a record-breaking total of 362-6—the highest-ever in Champions Trophy history—thanks to stunning centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson. Ravindra crafted a brilliant 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson anchored the innings with a classy 102 from 94 deliveries.  

The Black Caps capitalized on a batting-friendly surface after electing to bat first. Ravindra and Will Young (21) laid a solid foundation with a 48-run opening stand before a massive 164-run partnership between Ravindra and Williamson set the platform for a mammoth score.  

Ravindra brought up his fifth ODI century—each coming in ICC tournaments—in 93 balls, while Williamson reached his 15th ODI ton with a ramped boundary. South Africa finally broke the partnership when Kagiso Rabada dismissed Ravindra caught behind, while Williamson fell to Wiaan Mulder in the 40th over.  

In the latter stages, Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37) and Glenn Phillips (49* off 27) provided the finishing touches, hammering 110 runs in the last 10 overs, including 66 in the final five.  

South Africa’s bowlers struggled throughout, with Lungi Ngidi (3-72) and Rabada (2-70) managing to pick up wickets but failing to stem the run flow.  

With a previous record chase of 356-5 by Australia against England at the same venue, South Africa had hope, but New Zealand’s disciplined bowling ensured their spot in the final.