Dinesh Karthik slams Proteas after 'meek surrender' against New Zealand

He criticised the Proteas for failing to put up a fight and believed they should have taken the match deeper to avoid a heavy defeat.

"I want to state it on record. New Zealand annihilated South Africa; it was as simple as that. They were not in the game. I thought South Africa would get close and put pressure on them," Karthik said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

"That's what you expected from South Africa. This is a meek surrender. They were not in the game so early. You can't turn up to a semifinal feeling happy to be there. Play like a champion team."

Chasing 364 for victory, South Africa got off to a shaky start, losing Ryan Rickelton for just 17. Captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings with a 105-run partnership.

Bavuma initially struggled but eventually found his rhythm, yet their efforts were not enough as the team fell well short, losing by 50 runs.

New Zealand's dominance was set up by superb centuries from Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson, helping them post an imposing total of 363.

The Black Caps never looked in danger as they extended South Africa's woeful record in ICC ODI tournament knockouts - now standing at 9 losses in 11 matches.

With this emphatic victory, New Zealand have secured their place in the final, where they will face India in Lahore.  

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