Kane Williamson stamped his authority on the first Test against South Africa, scoring centuries in both innings as New Zealand extended their lead to a commanding 528 runs at the close of the third day's play. This remarkable feat places Kane Williamson among a select group of New Zealanders, including Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth, Andrew Jones, and Peter Fulton, who have achieved centuries in both innings of a Test match. Williamson's twin centuries - 118 in the first innings contributing to New Zealand's 511 total, and 109 in the second innings - underscored his mastery with the bat.
The New Zealand skipper's second century came off just 125 balls, showcasing a more aggressive approach compared to his first innings where he took 241 balls to reach the milestone. His pursuit of quick runs led to his dismissal, stumped by Clyde Fortuin off Neil Brand, marking a rare mode of dismissal for Williamson in his 97-Test career. At the day's end, New Zealand's scorecard read 179 for 4, with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell at the crease.
Rachin Ravindra steals the limelight with double century
Earlier in the match, debutant Rachin Ravindra turned his maiden Test double century into a memorable all-round performance by adding his first two Test wickets, as New Zealand dismissed South Africa for 162, establishing a first-innings lead of 349 runs. The Kiwis decided against enforcing the follow-on, considering the workload on their seamers who shared 42 overs in South Africa's innings.
The Bay Oval pitch, which has shown signs of flattening, could still present challenges on the fourth day, especially if it begins to crack under the continued hot sun. The New Zealand spin duo of Ravindra and Mitchell Santner exploited the conditions, sharing five wickets between them as the pitch showed signs of turn on the third day.
South Africa, resuming the day at 80 for 4, struggled before lunch, losing key wickets including two in a single over to Matt Henry. The visitors were further hampered by New Zealand's seamers, who exploited the pitch's conditions effectively.
New Zealand, traditionally cautious about enforcing the follow-on in recent years to manage their bowlers' workload, chose to bat again. With ample time left in the match, captain Tim Southee aims to put the game beyond South Africa's reach and give his bowlers a fresh opportunity to secure a victory by dismissing the tourists a second time. This strategic approach underscores New Zealand's dominance in the match and their intent to secure a win with a disciplined and comprehensive performance.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
NZ vs SA: CSK's overseas recruit converts maiden Test century into a big double hundred, earns huge praise after sensational batting display
NZ vs SA: Kane Williamson overhauls Sir Don Bradman and Virat Kohli's century tally with stylish ton in comeback Test against South Africa
