Champions Trophy 2025: Ravindra finds the right balance in crucial innings

Teamwork makes the dream work for New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who is eyeing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 glory on Sunday, March 9.

The opening batter scored 108 as New Zealand beat South Africa by 50 runs to set-up a mouth-watering Final with India.

Ravindra and Kane Williamson (102) both scored centuries as New Zealand made 362 for six from their 50 overs, before the Black Caps restricted South Africa to 312 for nine in reply.

South Africa’s opening bowlers Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi managed to restrict Ravindra early in his innings and he said the reassurance of his teammates helped him keep cool.

“It is always a great feeling to contribute to the team,” he said. “In a pretty emphatic win in a semi-final too, it is extremely pleasing and could not be happier.

“I did not start as well as I would have wanted. South Africa bowled really well which limited me a little bit.

“But it was nice to build a partnership first with Youngy [Will Young] and then Kane [Williamson]. That is what helped me the most, being able to work with the guys in the team.

“I will keep working through the ebbs and flows of one-day cricket because in an innings 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.”

The 25-year-old finished on 108 from 101 balls, which included 13 fours and one six, but originally did not have a score of 360 as the target. He explained that only became the goal once Williamson upped the ante.

“We were thinking around the 300-run mark,” he continued. “It [the pitch] was a little bit slow. Those cutters were holding a bit and the way [South Africa] bowled those cutters made them bounce a lot.

“So, we were thinking [300 runs] but then all of a sudden Kane started to accelerate so nicely and then we thought there was more on.

“Then the emphatic finish by GP [Glenn Phillips] and Daz [Daryl Mitchell] and those boys ensured we got to 360.”

The win means New Zealand will play India in a repeat of the 2000 Final on Sunday, a side they lost to in their final group game, but Ravindra said it was important the team enjoy the win before preparing to face Rohit Sharma’s side.

“That is the thing about tournament cricket, it is always about what is next,” added Ravindra when asked about the Final.

“For us, it is important we soak in the moment today and celebrate as a team, there were some beautiful performances today.

“We will reflect on today and chill out a little bit tonight and then once we get to Dubai, we will switch on.”