Lahore: It will be India and New Zealand to face off in the Champions Trophy final at Dubai on March 9.
After India got the better of Australia a day earlier, New Zealand outplayed South Africa by 50 runs in a high-scoring second semifinal at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Team India would look for an encore at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, having beaten New Zealand by 44 runs on March 2 in the last league game to top Group A.
New Zealand piled up a massive 362/6 after choosing to bat first. Centuries by Rachin Ravindra (108 off 101 balls, 13×4, 1×6) and Kane Williamson (102 off 94, 10×4, 2×6), who stitched a 164-run partnership for the second, set it up for the Black Caps.
Chasing a massive target, South Africa looked to be in with a chance till 20 overs before imploding against New Zealand spinners, led by skipper Mitchell Santner (3/43).
A brutal onslaught by David Miller (100 not out off 67, 10×4, 4×6) came too late for South Africa, who ended at 312/9 when the overs ran out.
Brief Scores
New Zealand 362/6 in 50 overs (Rachin Ravindra 108, Kane Williamson 102, Daryl Mitchell 49, Glenn Phillips 49*; Lungi Ngidi 3/72).
South Africa 312/9 in 50 overs (David Miller 100*, Rassie van der Dussen 69, Temba Bavuma 56; Mitchell Santner 3/43).
Result: New Zealand won by 50 runs.
Man of the Match: Rachin Ravindra.
Final: India vs New Zealand (Dubai, March 9).
