We had 300 in mind, but then Kane picked up the pace – Ravindra.

Rachin Ravindra and ICC events share an uncanny relationship.  The athletic left-hander rose to prominence in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India when he was propelled into the top order out of nowhere, and he has not looked back since.

Ravindra put on another display of brilliant strokeplay at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (March 5), en route to his sixth ODI century, all of which have come in ICC events, a New Zealand record, as the Black Caps defeated the Proteas by 50 runs to advance to the final.

Apart from Ravindra, star batter Kane Williamson also scored a century as New Zealand set a new record for the greatest total in Champions Trophy history.  Ravindra couldn't contain his excitement during the post-match news conference as he reflected on his innings and the team's overall batting performance.

"It is always a great feeling to contribute to the team," he told me.  "An emphatic win in a semi-final is tremendously satisfying, and I couldn't be happier.

"I did not start as well as I had hoped.  South Africa bowled quite well, which limited me a little.  But it was fantastic to start a partnership with Youngy [Will Young] and later Kane. Being able to collaborate with the other members of the team was extremely beneficial to me.

"I will keep working through the ebbs and flows of one-day cricket because, in an inning where you face over 100 balls, you are bound to scratch around for a little bit, so it was nice to have the guys out there to help me."

New Zealand's batters celebrated on a flat surface after Ravindra and Williamson's 164-run stand laid the groundwork.  The 25-year-old admitted that the two had not planned for such a large soundtrack when they first started working together.  It appeared that New Zealand was on track for a total in the 320-330 range, but their incredible finish provided them with an extra 30-40 runs.

"We were thinking around the 300-run mark," he said.  "The pitch was a little sluggish.  Those cutters were holding well, and the manner [South Africa] bowled them caused them to bounce a lot.

"So, we were thinking [300 runs], but then Kane started accelerating so wonderfully, and we thought there was more going on.  Then there was an emphatic finale by GP [Glenn Phillips] and Daz [Daryl Mitchell], and those guys ensured we got to 360."

Despite the gentle nature of the surface, New Zealand finished with a total that was considerably above par.  Skipper Mitchell Santner hinted at this and praised the Ravindra-Williamson partnership.

"It was holding a bit in the first innings, but Rachin and WIlliiamson set the stage, and the guys finishing it put the icing on the cake," says Santner.  "That connection was huge for us; he (Williamson) was able to keep going in the middle period. South Africa pushed us, but we were able to cash in and score 360.  We felt that 320 might not be enough."

The defensive abilities of New Zealand's bowlers were once again shown as they strangled the life out of South Africa's innings early in the chase.  Santner set the standard with a magnificent spell of 3-43 that included wickets for Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen.

The left-arm spinner used his arsenal to great effect, denying the batters any opportunities to score easily.  Santner's throw to Castle van der Dussen was one of the tournament's best, and taking out spin specialist Klaasen had the chance to end the game.  His spin twin, Michael Bracewell, had another impressive day out.

"We gained wickets in the middle overs, making it difficult for the opponents.  We agree as a group to put pressure and take wickets in the middle.  Michael Bracewell bowled quite well in the final game, taking a four-fer.  It was quite satisfying for me to take three scalps today.  "It makes my job easier because we have four all-rounders who can bowl, spin, and bat," Santner said.

Santner's opposite number, Bavuma, admitted that 362 was more than his team could realistically achieve.  The opener scored 50, as did van der Dussen, as the pair combined 105 for the second wicket in an attempt to provide a foundation for the run chase.

The South African captain, on the other hand, insisted that his team was on track for a successful pursuit before faltering in the middle innings.  "We were 125/1, and Rassie and I were still batting."  Unfortunately, we were unable to provide the groundwork for them," explained Bavuma.

"A mild dismissal for me and a better dismissal for Rassie, but we left too much for them in the end.  As I indicated earlier, we were 125/1, so we needed to be more decisive, not allow the opponent to fight back, and be ruthless.  We needed to focus on the game's most important moments."

South Africa's bowlers had an extremely terrible day, as they were all smashed around the park.  Apart from Aiden Markram's part-time spin, none of the Proteas' bowlers had decent stats, and Bavuma believed that their inability to break New Zealand's partnerships harmed them.  The Black Caps avoided losing wickets in groups and maintained a growing tempo throughout their innings.

"We had one or two partnerships today, but we needed me or Rassie to step up and mimic what two of their batters did.  They put us under strain right away, with their ability to breach the off-side at the outset and their middle-overs performance. Congratulations to them, and kudos to their hitters, Rachin and Williamson, as well as the batters that came in, Mitchell and Phillips," added Bavuma.