Kane Williamson once again proved his mettle against South Africa for New Zealand. In the two Tests, he scored his third century in the series. Overall, he has scored his 32nd Test century in his career. He has been performing at the highest level for NZ at every possible opportunity and when they required him to perform under pressure. He helped them win the series 2-0 and second Test by scoring a fourth innings century.
He has scored his fifth fourth innings century in Tests. And remarkably, he scored four out of the five in the winning causes. New Zealand has been blessed to have such a legend holding their batting line-up together in past two decades. NZ had to chase down 267 runs target in the Hamilton Test. After being bowled out for 211 in the first innings, NZ found themselves on backfoot as SA batter David Bedingham scored a century in the second innings.
From 104/4, David Bedingham and Keegan Petersen(43) have put on a partnership of 98 runs. Bedingham scored 110 runs from 141 balls. But William O’Rourke did not allow tail-enders and other batters to score freely. Hence, SA got all-out for 235 runs in 69.5 overs. William O’Rourke(5/34), Glenn Phillips(2/50), Matt Henry(1/15), Neil Wagner(1/42) and Rachin Ravindra(1/50) took wickets for NZ.
In the chase, New Zealand lost Devon Conway(17) early. Tom Latham(30) and Rachin Ravindra(20) could not kick on to make big scores. Kane Williamson soaked in all the pressure and smoothly sailed NZ cruise to the victory with 133 runs from 260 balls. Will Young helped him in his cause with a handy 60 runs off 134 balls. New Zealand won the match by scoring 269/3 in 94.2 overs with 7 wickets remaining.
William O’Rourke has been awarded Player of the Match for his 4/59 and 5/34 returns in bowling for NZ. Dane Piedt took 5/89 in the first innings for SA and remained lonely wicket-taker in the second innings with 3/93. Kane Willimson with his three centuries scored a total of 403 runs, in the series and won Player of the Series award.
Ben Duckett scores a huge century at the end of the second day!