Ravindra, Williamson bury South Africa in tons of runs

Duo sets up NZ's easy win that will see them face India in the final of Champions Trophy

- Somshuvra Laha

KOLKATA: New Zealand reaching their third ICC tournament final in six years is an encouraging sign for world cricket because it tells you that you don't need to have resources like the Big Three (India, Australia or England) or major streams of untapped talent to do well on the big stage. Just as crucial is the will that brings a team together and the Kiwis have time and again shown that they have plenty of that.

Equally promising for New Zealand is Rachin Ravindra's penchant for big runs. Wednesday witnessed his fifth ODI hundred—all at ICC events—as the left-hander added 164 off 154 balls for the second wicket with Kane Williamson, setting up a score so daunting that it was almost impossible to envisage New Zealand failing to defend 362/6. South Africa eventually ended up with 312/9 thanks to a century by David Miller.

For the record, only twice were higher targets chased in ODIs — both by South Africa against Australia. With this South African batting, nothing was impossible.