New Zealand crush South Africa to reach Champions Trophy final

LAHORE: Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson struck hundreds as New Zealand eased to a 50-run win over South Africa in Lahore on Wednesday to set up a rematch with India in the Champions Trophy final.

Ravindra made 108 off 101 balls and Williamson hit 102 off 94 deliveries as New Zealand posted a Champions Trophy record 362-6 before restricting South Africa to 312-9.

David Miller finished unbeaten on 100 but his 67-ball innings came in vain with the game already well out of reach, as South Africa suffered their fifth Champions Trophy semifinal defeat after those in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2013.

They won the first edition of the tournament in Bangladesh in 1998, when it was named the ICC KnockOut Trophy.

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner excelled with the ball and took 3-43 with his left-arm spin, breaking a 105-run partnership for South Africa’s second wicket by removing rival skipper Temba Bavuma for 56.

Bavuma started slowly before steadying the innings with Rassie van der Dussen, who scored a fluent 69 before being deceived by a beautiful delivery from Santner.

Santner then dealt a critical blow when he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen for three, caught by a diving Matt Henry at long-on, dashing South Africa’s hopes of pulling off the highest chase in the tournament’s history.

Ravindra (1-20) had Aiden Markram caught and bowled for 31 while Glenn Phillips chipped in with 2-27 as South Africa crumbled against spin.

Earlier, Ravindra and Williamson set the foundations for a big total on a batting-friendly Qaddafi Stadium pitch after New Zealand won the toss and batted first.

Daryl Mitchell clubbed 49 off 37 balls and Phillips smashed a 27-ball 49 not out as the Black Caps plundered 110 runs in the last 10 overs and