David Miller’s Stunning Late Surge: Century Off the Final Ball Falls Short as Black Caps Reach the Final

Centuries from the batting marvel Rachin Ravindra and the consistently impressive Kane Williamson propelled New Zealand into the Champions Trophy final, securing a commanding 50-run victory over South Africa in the second semi-final.

The Kiwis will now head to Dubai for Sunday’s final showdown against India, following Virat Kohli’s stellar 84 that guided India to a four-wicket triumph over Australia in the first semi-final.

The 25-year-old Ravindra notched up 108 runs off 101 deliveries, marking his fifth century in ODIs at an ICC tournament. Williamson also shone brightly, contributing a solid 102 runs from 94 balls as New Zealand set a new tournament record with the highest-ever score of 6-362 in their allotted 50 overs.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, the Black Caps surpassed Australia’s previous Champions Trophy record of 355 runs, achieved against England at the same venue last month.

South Africa, who had remained unbeaten during the group stages, found themselves eliminated yet again in the knockout phase of an ICC tournament.

Facing a daunting 99 runs needed off the last three overs, South Africa’s David Miller (100 not out) managed to reduce the margin of defeat by blasting 48 runs in that crucial period, including seven fours and two sixes, as they finished their innings at 9-312.

Miller brought up his century, off 67 balls, with a couple of runs from the final delivery.

Half-centuries from Rassie van der Dussen (69) and skipper Temba Bavuma (56) kept the Proteas in contention until the midway point; however, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner tightened the screws with a formidable 3-43 in his 10 overs.

South Africa’s batting order also faltered against the spin attack, with Glenn Phillips (2-27), Ravindra (1-20), and Michael Bracewell (1-53) collectively claiming five wickets.

This marks New Zealand’s third victory at the Gaddafi Stadium in just under a month, following successes against hosts Pakistan and South Africa during the warm-up tri-nation series held last month.

“It feels amazing to reach the final,” stated Santner. “Setting a strong platform with Rachin and Kane, while setting up our finish, was brilliant … We have four all-rounders who can bowl spin, which adds depth to our squad.”

“New Zealand were above our level,” reflected Bavuma. “We managed a couple of solid partnerships, but it wasn’t enough… New Zealand really applied pressure from the very start.”