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Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson struck commanding centuries as New Zealand hammered South Africa by 50 runs in a high-scoring semifinal to set up a summit clash with India in the Champions Trophy.
‘This Is Meek Surrender’: Karthik Slams Proteas After Heavy Defeat To New Zealand (Picture credit: AP)
India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has said that New Zealand ‘annihilated’ South Africa, slamming the Proteas for not trying to put up a fight in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy against the Kiwis.
Chasing 363 for a victory over New Zealand, South Africa lost Ryan Rickelton for 17, but skipper Temba Bavuma, who struggled, found his rhythm and shared a crucial 105-run stand with Rassie van der Dussen, but that didn’t bear fruit.
Karthik said that South Africa should have tried to take the match deep to avoid the 50-run defeat.
“I want to state it on record. New Zealand annihilated South Africa; it was as simple as that. They were not in the game. I thought South Africa would get close and put pressure on them,” Karthik said while speaking on Cricbuzz.
“That’s what you expected from South Africa. This is a meek surrender. They were not in the game so early. You can’t turn up to a semifinal feeling happy to be there. Play like a champion team,” Karthik said.
This marks South Africa’s ninth loss in 11 matches when it comes to ICC ODI tournament knockout stages.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson struck commanding hundreds as New Zealand hammered South Africa by 50 runs in a high-scoring semifinal to set up a summit clash with India in the Champions Trophy in Lahore.
“You can always back yourself to get 90 in the last ten in the back end, or 85. But you cannot have 140. Even in T20, it is hardly done. With fewer wickets in hand and a slightly older ball, it is next to impossible,” Karthik said.
Ravindra played a brilliant innings of 108 runs off 101 deliveries, laced with 13 boundaries and a six, while Williamson struck 102 off 94 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and two sixes.
Daryl Mitchell (49 off 37 balls), Glenn Phillips (49 not out off 27 balls), and Michael Bracewell (16 off 12 balls) then capitalised on the solid foundation, adding 112 runs in the final 10 overs to power New Zealand to a massive total of 362/6.
The Kiwis will face India in the final of the Champions Trophy on Sunday, March 9, in Dubai.
For more in-depth coverage of the Champions Trophy, check out the latest Points Table to see where your favorite team stands. Stay updated on the tournament’s top performers with the Most Runs and Most Wickets leaderboards. Keep following for all the latest updates!
