India’s veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik did not hold back in his assessment of South Africa’s lacklustre performance against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy semi-final. He bluntly stated that the Proteas were “annihilated” and failed to put up any real fight in their chase of 363. While South Africa showed some promise early on, a strong 105-run stand between Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen ultimately proved futile as they crumbled under pressure.
Karthik was particularly critical of South Africa’s approach, suggesting they should have at least tried to take the match deeper rather than capitulating without resistance. “New Zealand annihilated South Africa; it was as simple as that. They were not in the game at any stage. I expected them to push New Zealand harder, to make it close,” Dinesh Karthik remarked on Cricbuzz.
Expressing disappointment over the Proteas’ mindset, he emphasized that they failed to display the hunger of a champion team. “This was a meek surrender. You can’t turn up to a semi-final feeling happy just to be there. You need to play like a team that wants to win it all,” he added.
ALSO READ: South Africa Coach Analyzes Team’s Semi-Final Loss And Calls For Stronger Support
This latest defeat adds to South Africa’s long-standing struggles in ICC knockout matches. The loss to New Zealand marked their ninth defeat in 11 such encounters in ODI tournaments. While Bavuma and van der Dussen showed some resilience, it wasn’t enough to overcome New Zealand’s dominance, led by centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson.
Karthik also highlighted the daunting chase, explaining how the steep run rate made it nearly impossible for South Africa to recover. “You can always back yourself to score 85 or 90 in the last 10 overs, but chasing 140 in that phase is next to impossible, especially with fewer wickets in hand and an aging ball,” he analyzed.
ALSO READ: Sunil Gavaskar Advises Rohit Sharma To Bat Longer For Greater Impact
New Zealand’s batting brilliance set the tone for their victory. Ravindra’s 108 off 101 balls and Williamson’s 102 off 94 provided the perfect platform, while late fireworks from Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, and Michael Bracewell propelled them to a commanding 362/6.
With this emphatic win, the Kiwis now march into the Champions Trophy final, where they will face India in Dubai on Sunday, March 9.
