New Zealand crushed South Africa’s aspirations of reaching a rare ICC final with a dominant 50-run victory in the second Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore on Wednesday. The Proteas struggled to build crucial partnerships with both bat and ball, which ultimately led to their downfall.
Lack of Partnerships Cost Proteas
South Africa’s failure to string together significant partnerships was the defining factor in their defeat. With the ball, the bowlers lacked synergy, failing to apply pressure on the New Zealand batters throughout the innings. Similarly, with the bat, apart from a solid 100-run partnership between Temba Bavuma (56) and Rassie van der Dussen (69) for the second wicket, the rest of the batting line-up failed to build sustainable stands. Chasing a mammoth target of 363, South Africa needed consistent contributions, which never materialised.
Williamson’s Brilliance Sets the Stage
Going into the match, the Proteas were well aware of the threat posed by Kane Williamson, who averaged 57 against them in ODIs. The New Zealand captain showcased his class once again, anchoring the innings after coming in during the powerplay. He took his time to settle in before accelerating, taking on Keshav Maharaj and the rest of the bowling attack with ease. Williamson’s masterful century—his third consecutive ton against South Africa in ODIs—was the backbone of New Zealand’s imposing total of 362.
Santner’s Magic Turns the Tide
New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner played a crucial role in dismantling South Africa’s chase. His delivery to dismiss Van der Dussen was a thing of beauty, drifting in before spinning away just enough to clean-bowl the in-form batter. Santner continued to pile on the pressure, finishing with outstanding figures of 3/43 in his 10-over spell.
The Defining Turning Point
Santner struck again shortly after removing Van der Dussen, dismissing Heinrich Klaasen for just three runs. Known as one of the best players of spin in world cricket, Klaasen misjudged the length of the delivery, attempting to pull a ball that was not short enough. His mistimed shot found Matt Henry, handing New Zealand a crucial wicket and further tilting the match in their favour.
Death-Bowling Woes Prove Costly
South Africa had a glimmer of hope after dismissing Williamson in the 40th over with New Zealand on 251. However, their death bowling let them down yet again. The Proteas leaked 111 runs in the final 10.1 overs, conceding 12 fours and two sixes. The Black Caps capitalised on the errant bowling to push their total to an insurmountable 362.
Reasons for South Africa’s Defeat:
- Lack of partnerships with both bat and ball, failing to build momentum.
- Kane Williamson’s century, which anchored New Zealand’s innings.
- Mitchell Santner’s crucial breakthroughs, dismissing key South African batters.
- Loss of Heinrich Klaasen cheaply, further weakening the chase.
- Poor death-bowling performance, conceding 111 runs in the last 10 overs.
Also Read: Proteas’ Road to the ICC Champions Trophy Semi-Finals: Five Standout Performances
New Zealand outplayed South Africa in all departments, using their experience and composure to book a place in the final. The Proteas, on the other hand, will rue their missed opportunities and lack of partnerships, which cost them dearly in yet another ICC knockout match.
