New Zealand posted its highest team total in Champions Trophy history, scoring 362 for six against South Africa in the semifinal on Wednesday. The total surpassed the team’s previous best of 347 for four against the United States in the 2004 edition.
Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson led the innings with twin centuries, putting together a 164-run stand for the second wicket. Their partnership became New Zealand’s highest for any wicket in the tournament. Though both batters fell before the 40th over, Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips ensured a strong finish, pushing the total past 360.
New Zealand’s Top Champions Trophy Totals
New Zealand’s previous highest score in the tournament was 347 for four against the United States at The Oval in 2004. In the ongoing edition, they also posted 320 for five against Pakistan in Karachi. Other notable scores include 315 for seven against Sri Lanka in Johannesburg in 2009 and 291 all out against Australia in Birmingham in 2017.
New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to bat first. Both teams are aiming for their second Champions Trophy title. The winner will face India in the final in Dubai on Sunday.
Playing XIs
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
New Zealand: Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Latham (wk), Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Kyle Jamieson, William O’Rourke.
