New Zealand defeated South Africa by 50 runs in Wednesday’s Champions Trophy semi-final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan.
New Zealand totalled 362 for six after winning the toss and electing to bat first. Batsmen Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra hit centuries.
South Africa replied with 312 for nine. Batsman David Miller struck a century. Batsmen Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen collected half-tons.
“I don’t think it was any one particular thing that resulted in the loss – probably a couple,” said Proteas limited-overs coach Rob Walter.
“Yes, we could have handled the last 10 overs a little bit better. They got away from us a little bit. There was a period in the middle of the innings where Kane and Rachin upped the rate a bit. We missed a few opportunities there when we could’ve slowed things down.
“Then obviously the partnership that got broken when we were batting and really slowed us down in the middle.”
Miller hit 100 not out from 67 deliveries, including 10 fours and four sixes. This was the seventh century of his ODI career – and first against New Zealand.
“We saw Dave play unbelievably well in the end to get a century, and then you lose by 50 – and you know you’re one partnership away from doing something special,” added Walter.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj did not take a wicket – and conceded 65 runs in 10 overs.
“They played particularly well against Keshav. The ball did spin a little bit more in the second innings, which would’ve contributed to that,” concluded Walter.
“Kesh is a world-class bowler, we know that. To put him under pressure and then turn the tide and change the flow of the game, we have to commend the two world-class batters batting together.”
New Zealand will meet India in Sunday’s Champions Trophy final in Dubai.
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