Star New Zealand batter Rachin Ravindra made headlines once again. He smashes a stunning hundred at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday (March 5), as they smashed the Proteas by 50 runs to make it to the final as well.Apart from Ravindra, vetwran batter Kane Williamson also notched up a century.
Reflecting on his innings and the team’s batting performance in general, Ravindra shared his happiness at the post-match press conference. He said, “It is always a great feeling to contribute to the team. 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. 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,” he again shared.
“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.”
Meanwhile, skipper Mitchell Santner was all praise for the Ravindra-Williamson partnership as well.
“It was holding a bit in the first innings but Rachin and WIlliiamson set the stage and the guys finishing it put the icing on the cake,” said Santner. “That partnership was massive for us, he (Williamson) was able to keep going in the middle phase, South Africa challenged us but we were able to cash in and score 360. We felt 320 might not be enough.”
“We took wickets in the middle overs and made it tough for the opposition. What we speak as a group is to apply pressure and take wickets in the middle. Michael Bracewell bowled really well in the last game to take a 4-fer. It was really pleasing for me to take three scalps today. It makes my job easier, we have four all-rounders who can bowl spin and they can bat as well,” concluded Santner.
