Williamson’s century guides New Zealand into Tri-nation series final

LAHORE: A vintage Kane Williamson century along with Devon Conway’ brilliant 97 helped New Zealand enter the final of Tri-Nation series final when they registered a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Monday.

Chasing a target of 305, the Black Caps cruised to victory with eight balls to spare, thanks to an epic 187-run partnership between Williamson and Devon Conway. South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke etched his name into cricketing history with a magnificent 150 on debut – the highest-ever score by a player in their maiden ODI – his heroics were ultimately overshadowed by Williamson’s brilliance.

The chase began cautiously for New Zealand, with openers Conway and Will Young putting on a solid 50-run opening stand. Young’s dismissal for 19 brought Williamson to the crease, and the complexion of the match changed dramatically.

The former New Zealand captain and Conway forged a record-breaking partnership, the highest-ever ODI stand for New Zealand against South Africa. Conway, playing the perfect foil to Williamson’s aggressive approach, fell agonisingly short of his century, dismissed for 97 off 107 balls, having struck nine fours and one six. His innings provided the ideal foundation for Williamson’s later onslaught.

A brief wobble threatened New Zealand’s progress as South Africa’s debutant spinner, Senuran Muthusamy, struck twice in quick succession, removing Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham. However, Williamson remained unfazed, showcasing his class and experience. He reached his 14th ODI century, and his first since the 2019 World Cup, off just 72 deliveries.

Earlier in the day, South Africa elected to bat first and posted a total of 304-6. The innings was defined by Breetzke’s extraordinary performance. Despite Breetzke’s heroics, the innings was punctuated by periods of slow scoring, particularly in the middle overs, which ultimately hampered their chances of posting an even larger total. Wiaan Mulder contributed a valuable 64, but South Africa’s total proved insufficient against a determined New Zealand side.

New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke, who both claimed two wickets. The victory secures New Zealand’s place in the final of the tri-series. South Africa now faces a crucial must-win game against Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday. A loss would eliminate them from the tournament.

New Zealand won the toss

South Africa Innings

Breetzke c Bracewell b Henry 150

Bavuma (c) c †Latham b O’Rourke 20

Smith run out (Santner/†Latham) 41

Verreynne † b Bracewell 1

Mulder c Mitchell b O’Rourke 64

Bosch not out 7

Muthusamy c Bracewell b Henry 2

Mpongwana not out 1

Extras: (lb 3, w 15) 18

Total 50 Ov (RR: 6.08) 304/6

Did not bat: Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi

Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-130, 3-132, 4-263, 5-300, 6-303

Bowling: Matt Henry 10-0-59-2, Will O’Rourke 10-0-72-2, Ben Sears 10-0-65-0, Mitchell Santner 10-0-62-0, Michael Bracewell 10-0-43-1

New Zealand Innings (T: 305)

Young c Mpongwana b Bosch 19

Conway c Muthusamy b Dala 97

Williamson not out 133

Mitchell c Mulder b Muthusamy 10

Latham †lbw b Muthusamy 0

Phillips not out 28

Extras: (lb 5, nb 2, w 14) 21

Total: 48.4 Ov (RR: 6.32) 308/4

Fall of wickets: 1-50, 2-237, 3-251, 4-251

Bowling: Lungi Ngidi 7-0-54-0, Eathan Bosch 7-0-33-1, Wiaan Mulder 6-1-32-0, Junior Dala 8-0-47-1, Senuran Muthusamy 8.4-1-50-2, Tabraiz Shamsi 9-0-62-0, Mihlali Mpongwana 3-0-25-0

Result: New Zealand won by 6 wickets

Player of the match: Kane Williamson

Umpires: Rashid Riaz, Richard Illingworth