Proteas fall at KO stage, again

The Proteas have bowed out of another major international tournament in the knockout stages.

Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson struck brilliant centuries as New Zealand posted the highest-ever Champions Trophy total of 362-6 in their semi-final against South Africa in Lahore, Pakistan.

Ravindra amassed a 101-ball 108 while Williamson hit 102 off 94 balls on a batting-friendly Gaddafi Stadium pitch after New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first.

The Black Caps then restricted South Africa to 312-9 when they took to the crease.

David Miller finished unbeaten on 100 but his 67-ball innings came in vain with the game already well out of reach, as South Africa suffered their fifth Champions Trophy semi-final defeat after those in 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2013.

For some time now, the Proteas have been building a belief that they have turned the corner. And results have supported that belief.

This was the third major white-ball tournament under coach Rob Walter. In all three, the Proteas have made the last four.

It remains to be seen how much longer Walter will stay in the hot seat with South Africa set to host the 2027 World Cup. Written by Ntsako Mkhari