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New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra credits Kane Williamson and Will Young for his fifth ODI century in the ICC Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa.
Rachin Ravindra (R) and Kane Williamson (L) scored a 150+ partnership during the semi-final clash against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. (Image: AP)
New Zealand‘s Rachin Ravindra credited his senior teammate, Kane Williamson and his opening partner, Will Young, for helping get through his initial jitters as the 25-year-old went on to score his fifth ODI century in the semi-final clash against South Africa in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fixture that took place in Lahore on Wednesday.
Ravindra scored 108 off 101 deliveries as his innings, coupled with Williamson’s 102 off 94 balls as the duo’s partnership set up the Kiwis for a mammoth 363-run target, the highest innings total in the history of the tournament.
“I guess it was the partnerships. Young and Kane helped me get through the ebbs and flows. At times, my timing wasn’t so great, but Kane helped me get through that phase. He’s a classy player (Kane). It’s fun to watch him bat from the other end. At times, the ball held a bit, and the bowlers also bowled good lines and lengths,” said Ravindra in a mid-innings chat with the broadcasters.
Speaking on the conditions, Ravindra reckons that the variations could come into play here, like the off-cutters. South Africa will have to do the impossible here if they are to complete this chase.
“Hopefully, the ball will continue to hold onto the surface a bit more under lights. The pitch held up at times and looked a bit crumbly, so the key will be to bowl into the surface and use the cutters and variations,” he concluded.
South Africa are already on track with the chase as Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen are nearing the 100-run mark in their partnership despite Matt Henry striking early to remove the in-form opening batter, Ryan Rickelton in the fifth over of the second innings.
The winner of this clash will go up against India in the Champions Trophy final, set to be played on March 9 (Sunday). The Men in Blue have been in fine form and will be fancying themselves in the summit clash.
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!
- Location :
Lahore, Pakistan
