Another majestic century from Kane Williamson, his 32nd in Test cricket, powered New Zealand to a historic series win against South Africa. In 92 years, this was New Zealand’s first ever series win over South Africa in Test cricket as they chased down 267 on the fourth day in Hamilton.
The hosts began the day needing 227 for victory. South Africa, playing with an inexperienced squad, put up a brave fight to drag the game this far and even entertained hopes of a stunning win. An early wicket at the start of the day’s play only enhanced those chances as Dane Piedt removed Tom Latham. But Rachin Ravindra and Williamson stood firm for a brief period to ensure New Zealand didn’t collapse under pressure.
Quite interestingly, it was Williamson who was taking the lead ahead of Ravindra in the partnership. He lofted Piedt over mid on for a six and punched one through backward point for a boundary off the next over as the runs kept coming. South Africa were still hopeful though with the variable bounce on the surface posing problems every now and then. Piedt eventually struck again as he was rewarded for his patience. Ravindra, who had gotten himself into a shell, chipped one in tame fashion to short cover like Latham did earlier in the day.
At that point in time, South Africa needed one more wicket to rubber-stamp their authority and put the hosts under pressure. However, Williamson and Will Young just didn’t give the visitors that opportunity to have a crack at the lower middle order. Once again it was Williamson who played the dominant role in the stand as he hit three boundaries in the space of eight deliveries at one point. Young, who was content playing second fiddle, was given out at one point for caught behind but the batter managed to reverse the decision.
Williamson at the other end continued to deal in boundaries and went into the Tea break eight short of his ton. From thereon, South Africa needed to inflict a collapse similar to the one they suffered in their second innings. Unfortunately for the visitors, that just didn’t happen as New Zealand continued to march on. Williamson brought up his century in due course and took a backseat. Young finally opened up with victory in sight and went on a boundary-hitting spree to erase any slim hopes the visitors had as he helped himself to an unbeaten half-century.
Brief scores:
South Africa 242 (Ruan de Swardt 64; William O’Rourke 4/59) and 235 (David Bedingham 110; William O’Rourke 5/34) lost to New Zealand 211 (Kane Williamson 43; Dane Piedt 5/89) and 269/3 (Kane Williamson 133*, Will Young 60*) by 7 wickets