16 February 2024 11:25 am Views - 252
Kane Williamson scored his 32nd Test century to help New Zealand move further ahead at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings with a seven-wicket victory over South Africa in Hamilton.
Williamson was once again at his brilliant best with a typical patient knock of 133* that oozed class as he drew level with Australian counterpart Steve Smith for the most Test centuries by any current player to ensure the Kiwis chased down their victory target with ease.
It was New Zealand's second consecutive Test triumph over the Proteas and the 2-0 series sweep sees them incease their lead at the top of the World Test Championship standings with a 75 percent win-loss percentage.
While South Africa showed some much better signs than in the first Test at Mount Maunganui, the loss sees them fall to eighth on the World Test Championship standings and below England with a 25 percent win-loss percentage.
It sets up a crucial top-of-the-standings battle between the Kiwis and Australia later this month, with the two trans-Tasman rivals set to battle it out in a two-Test series in New Zealand.
And New Zealand will be hoping Williamson can continue on his recent strong form against the Aussies, with the world's No.1 ranked Test batter now having scored seven centuries in his seven most recent Test appearances and his latest a match-winning knock that kept his side in control despite ongoing pressure from South Africa’s bowlers.
Williamson received good support from young gun Rachin Ravindra (20) during the morning session and the consistent Will Young (60*) joined the former Kiwi captain at the crease for an unbeaten 152-run stand that guided the run chase home.
Spinner Dane Piedt (3/93) was the only South Africa bowler to pick up any wickets, with Williamson's experience proving pivotal as New Zealand cruised home.