Kane Williamson's handsome 133 dampens Matthew Breetzke's 150 as New Zealand thrash South Africa by 6 wickets to storm into Tri-series final

Kane Williamson found his mojo back right before the Champions Trophy and led New Zealand to an emphatic six-wicket win over South Africa to make it to the final of tri-series in Pakistan. Kane Williamson's towering 133 apparently dampened South Africa's Matthew Breetzke's record-breaking 150 as it came handy in New Zealand's convincing victory at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore February 10.

Kane Williamson's century sends New Zealand in Tri-series final

New Zealand now tops the points table with four points and a net run rate of +0.906. Their win has turned the final league match between Pakistan and South Africa on February 12 into a virtual semi-final. Pakistan will be determined to secure a spot in the final on home soil, especially with the high-profile Champions Trophy, starting on February 19th, just around the corner.

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Batting first, South Africa rode on Matthew Breetzke's sensational century to post a challenging total of 304/6. Matthew Breetzke stormed into the history books by scoring the highest individual ODI score by a debutant. His superlative knock of 150 runs off 148 balls, which was studded with 11 fours and five sixes, lasted until the 46th over. He also found a good ally in Jason Smith, who chipped in with 41 runs in a 93-run partnership for the second wicket after captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed cheaply.

Following the dismissal of Kyle Verreynne for just one run, Breetzke and Wiaan Mulder forged a strong 131-run partnership. Mulder played aggressively, scoring 64 runs off 60 balls. For New Zealand, Matt Henry and William O'Rourke each took two wickets, while Michael Bracewell dismissed Verreynne.

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New Zealand began their chase steadily, with Will Young (19) and Devon Conway (97) putting together a 50-run opening partnership in 9.5 overs. After Young was dismissed for 19 by Eathan Bosch, Conway and Kane Williamson took control, keeping South Africa bowlers in check. The pair dominated the South African bowling attack with a massive 187-run partnership. Conway was unfortunate to miss out on a century, falling for 97 to Junior Dala. Williamson, however, went on to score his century in just 72 balls, his second-fastest in ODIs. He also became the second-fastest batsman to reach 7000 ODI runs, trailing only Hashim Amla. Williamson finished with an unbeaten 133 runs off 113 balls, including 13 fours and two sixes, guiding New Zealand to a resounding win with eight balls to spare.