New Zealand set up a title clash with India in the Champions Trophy, after they defeated South Africa by 50 runs in the second semifinal on Wednesday in Lahore. India had beaten Australia by four wickets in the first semifinal in Dubai.
The BlackCaps’ win set up a final that will be a repeat of the group-stage clash between the two sides, and Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner said he is looking forward to it.
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“Being there in Dubai and putting India under pressure gave us confidence. You take in what things work and what doesn’t,” said Santner after New Zealand’s semifinal victory. They had lost their Group-A fixture against India by 44 runs.
On Wednesday, New Zealand’s win was set up by centuries from Rachin Ravindra (108), who was pushed up the order to open, and Kane Williamson (102), which helped them put up a mammoth 362 for 6 on the board.
South Africa’s reply was led by an unbeaten 67-ball 100 by David Miller, who ran out of overs in the end as the Proteas got restricted to 312 for 9.
“The platform we were able to set with Rachin and Kane, and set up the death-phase earlier, was great. The finishers did their job,” said the NZ captain.
“It’s a cool feeling to make the final. We were challenged by a good side. We’ve had a go against India, look forward to do it again.”
“The key for the bowlers (while defending was) to keep chipping away with wickets. It was good personally. What we speak about as a group is to apply pressure, but still take wickets. It was pleasing to get three pretty good scalps personally,” said Santner who returned with figures of 3 for 43.
Santner praised veteran batter and former skipper Williamson for continuing to deliver the goods over the years when the team needs it the most, while praising his 164-run stand with Ravindra.
“Williamson keeps doing it. That partnership was massive, might’ve been frustrated a touch at times, but they flipped the switch earlier and got us to 360. Looking back, 320 might not have been enough,” Santner added.
The final is scheduled for March 9 in Dubai.
