New Zealand
New Zealand beat South Africa to set up ICC Champions Trophy final with India
New Zealand put up a dominating show to beat South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final clash of the ongoing Champions Trophy in Pakistan's Lahore city on Wednesday to cruise to final.
New Zealand will not face India, the squad that beat the Men in Black in the Group stage clash.
After putting up a mammoth 362 runs in the batting-friendly pitch, New Zealand bowlers kept things tight and continuously picked up wickets at regular intervals to bowl out South Africa for 312 runs for the loss of nine wickets.
New Zealand piled up the score by riding on Rachin Ravindra's (108) and Kane Williamson's (102) scintillating knocks.
Ravindra continued his strong form throughout the tournament, and in his 101-ball knock, he brilliantly hit 13 boundaries and a six.
Kane hammered 10 boundaries and two sixes in his 94-ball innings.
They added 164 runs in their partnership, which provided New Zealand a strong base to further build the innings.
Daryl Mitchell (49) and Glenn Phillips (49*) remained the other two major contributors for Kiwis.
Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets for South Africa.
South Africa tried to repeat New Zealand's batting success on a pitch that hardly benefited bowlers.
Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) provided South Africa with a strong start to their innings but they started losing wickets at regular intervals.
Aiden Markram contributed 31 runs.
South Africa was struggling at one point of the match after losing quick wickets.
David Miller tried to give South Africa a late surge when he butched 10 boundaries and four sixes in his ruthless 67-ball encounter.
He gave South Africa a last chance to qualify for the final by beating New Zealand, but the Kiwi bowlers kept things tight in the high-voltage match.
Skipper Mitchell Santner picked up three wickets for New Zealand.
New Zealand will now travel to Dubai to play the final against India and win the title for the second time.
New Zealand had won the trophy by beating the same opponent in 2000.
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