Santner hails Williamson, Ravindra's match-winning knocks ahead of Champions Trophy final

Dubai [UAE], March 7 (ANI): New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner lauded Kane Williamson and Rachin Ravindra for their outstanding performances in the second semi-final against South Africa in Lahore. Their brilliant centuries, Williamson's 102 off 94 balls and Ravindra's 108 off 101 powered the Black Caps to a formidable total of 362/6, setting up a commanding victory.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy final against India, Santner expressed his admiration for the duo's approach at the crease.

"Kane played an exceptional knock alongside Rachin. The intent they showed was outstanding. Scoring at six runs per over was quite comfortable, especially with the ramps and scoops they executed," Santner told the reporters.

"Rachin is playing with great freedom, expressing his natural game, and it was pretty cool to watch. Performances like these certainly make our job as bowlers a little easier," he added.

Williamson became the highest run-getter for the Kiwis in the tournament's history and the first to cross the 19,000 international runs milestone for his nation.

It was Williamson's third consecutive hundred against South Africa in as many ODI innings, making him the first batter from New Zealand to achieve the feat and the first player ever to do so against Proteas.

On the other hand, the young southpaw sent shivers down the spine of South African bowlers. Rachin celebrated his fifth century in ODIs, and surprisingly, all of his landmark scores in the format have come in ICC tournaments.

Rachin's batting average of 67.00 in ICC ODI tournaments is the highest in the pool of 80 batters, with a minimum of 750 runs in these tournaments. In his limited appearances, Rachin has garnered 804 runs in 13 innings with two fifties and five hundreds. (ANI)

(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)