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New Zealand schooled a second-string South African side at home to create history. With a comfortable seven-wicket win at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand registered their first-ever Test series win against South Africa after 18 attempts in 92 years. An in-form Kane Williamson turned out to be the architect of the run chase on Day 4. His record-breaking ton helped New Zealand chase down a target of 267.
Starting the day’s play at an overnight score of 40/1, New Zealand lost the wicket of Tom Latham early. He pushed at a delivery from Dane Piedt but ended up chipping it to short cover fielder Zubayr Hamza. He scored 30 runs from 57 balls. Rachin Ravindra took his time in the middle. Meanwhile, Williamson took on Piedt and Tshepo Moreki when the scoring opportunity presented itself. Ravindra's catch was dropped when he was batting on just four runs. After a few tight overs, Williamson hit Shaun von Berg for a six. At lunch break, New Zealand were 107/2.
At the start of the second session, Williamson was ultra-defensive as well. Once again, Piedt got the breakthrough. He went for a drive but handed a catch to short cover fielder Neil Brand. He scored 20 runs from 72 balls. Williamson reached his half-century from 113 balls. He hit a few boundaries before the drinks break. Will Young was very defensive at the start of his innings as well. Williamson survived a few close calls. At the end of the second session, New Zealand were 173/3.
In the fourth session, Williamson reached his century from 203 balls. He broke Australia's Steve Smith's record for fastest to 32 Test centuries. Williamson took 172 innings to reach the milestone. Young accelerated as South African bowlers failed to get a breakthrough. After the new ball was taken, Young reached his half-century from 118 balls. In the 95th over, Williamson finished the run chase with a boundary. The two batters shared an unbeaten 142-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Williamson's 133 from 260 balls featured 12 fours and two sixes. On the other end, Young scored 60 runs from 134 balls featuring eight fours.
Williamson – The Chase Master
Williamson equalled two big records in Test cricket. He joined former South Africa captain Graeme Smith with his fourth Test ton in successful run chases. Also, it was his fifth Test ton in the fourth innings. Only former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan has the same number of tons in the fourth innings.
ORourke’s dream debut, Bedingham’s maiden Test ton
Earlier, South Africa skipper Brand won the toss and opted to bat first. Ruan de Swardt's 64 helped them post 242. Debutant William ORourke took four wickets. New Zealand batters got good starts but could not convert them into big totals. Latham and Williamson departed after crossing the 40-run mark. Piedt registered a five-wicket haul to bowl out New Zealand for 211.
In the second innings, South Africa lost three wickets early in the innings. David Bedingham's maiden Test ton with help from Keegan Petersen helped them get the lead past 200. But South Africa lost six wickets for 33 runs and were bowled out for 235. ORourke took a five-wicket haul. His match figures are the best for a New Zealand player on debut.
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