Ravindra, Williamson centuries energy NZ to 362/6 towards SA in second semifinal of Champions Trophy
New Zealand added 112 runs within the closing 10 overs after reaching 250 in 40 overs.
Daryl Mitchel (49 off 37 balls), Glenn Phillips (49 not out off 27) and Michael Bracewell (16 off 12) supplied the fireplace energy within the closing overs as South African bowlers wilted on an excellent batting observe.
The semifinal will mark the tip of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan as the ultimate will now be performed in Dubai on March 9 between India and the winners of Wednesday’s match.
Opting to bat, New Zealand’s left-handed opener Ravindra blasted 108 of 101 balls with 13 fours and one six whereas stalwart Williamson struck 102 off 94 balls with 10 fours and two sixes.
New Zealand constructed on a robust opening stand of 48 between Ravindra and Will Younger, who scored 21 off 23 balls earlier than he was dismissed by Lungi Ngidi within the eighth over. After conceding simply 32 in his first six overs, Ngidi went for runs in his closing overs although he completed with three wickets. Ravindra scored his second century of this Champions Trophy after his 112 towards Bangladesh and fifth hundred in an ICC event. He had scored three centuries within the World Cup in India in 2023.
Williamson batted calmly after early jitters to get to his fifteenth hundred and his fourth towards South Africa. He has now scored tons of in his final three ODIs towards the Proteas.
The precise and left handed mixture of New Zealand proved tough for the South African bowlers with all-rounder Wiaan Mulder going off with a pressure after bowling six overs for 48 runs and one wicket.
