New Zealand set up Champions Trophy final clash with India after South Africa win

New Zealand secured a spot in the ICC Champions Trophy final against India after defeating South Africa by 50 runs in the second semi-final on Wednesday, thanks to centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson and a key bowling performance by skipper Mitchell Santner.

At Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, New Zealand posted a record Champions Trophy total of 362-6, surpassing Australia's 356-5 against England earlier in the tournament. Ravindra scored 108 off 101 balls, while Williamson contributed 102 from 94 deliveries.

South Africa's chase fell short at 312-9, despite a valiant unbeaten 100 from David Miller. Santner's 3-43 led the Kiwi bowling attack, supported by Matt Henry and Glenn Phillips, who claimed two wickets each.

Steady start and record stand

New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat on a pitch offering little assistance to bowlers. Will Young (21) and Ravindra put on 48 for the first wicket before Young was caught at mid-off off Ngidi's bowling.

Ravindra, playing with confidence, reached his half-century off 47 balls. He then combined with Williamson in a 164-run second-wicket partnership that set the platform for New Zealand's massive total.

New Zealand's Kane Williamson shakes hands with South Africa's David Miller after the match.Reuters

Ravindra's century came off 93 deliveries, featuring 13 fours and one six. Williamson, dropped on 56 by Heinrich Klaasen, capitalized on the reprieve to notch his 15th ODI century off 91 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes.

After Ravindra fell to Rabada in the 34th over, Williamson continued to anchor the innings. Glenn Phillips (49 off 27 balls) and Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37 balls) provided late fireworks, pushing New Zealand to 362-6.

Ngidi was the pick of the South African bowlers with 3-72, while Rabada finished with 2-70. Wiaan Mulder claimed one wicket.

Proteas fall short

South Africa's chase began shakily as Ryan Rickelton departed for 17. Bavuma (56) and van der Dussen (69) steadied the innings with a 105-run stand.

However, Santner's left-arm spin broke the partnership, dismissing Bavuma and van der Dussen in quick succession. Heinrich Klaasen (3) fell cheaply to Santner, while Aiden Markram (31) was removed by Ravindra.

New Zealand's Will O'Rourke shakes hands with South Africa's David Miller after the match.Reuters

Michael Bracewell and Glenn Phillips picked up crucial wickets in the middle overs. Miller fought back with a blazing 100 not out off 67 balls, featuring 10 fours and four sixes, but lacked support from the lower order.

Santner finished with 3-43, while Henry and Phillips claimed two wickets each. Ravindra and Bracewell took one wicket apiece.

Road to the final

This is New Zealand's third appearance in the Champions Trophy final, having won the tournament in 2000. They will face India in Dubai on March 9, aiming to claim their second title.