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In a historic turn of events, Kane Williamson‘s sublime 32nd Test century paved the way for the New Zealand to register a remarkable 2-0 series sweep against South Africa. Williamson’s unbeaten 133, coupled with Will Young‘s valuable 60, formed a resilient partnership of 152, propelling New Zealand to a commanding seven-wicket victory with a day to spare in the second Test at Hamilton.
Day 4 drama and early setbacks
Facing a target of 267, New Zealand resumed from overnight 40/1, with Devon Conway falling to Dane Piedt in the final session of the third day. Piedt, continuing his stellar performance from the first innings, removed opener Tom Latham early in the session, caught by Zubayr Hamza at short cover. Rachin Ravindra‘s dismissal for 20 further tested the hosts as it reduced the side to 107/3.
Kane Williamson and Will Young’s resilience
From thereon, Williamson and Young navigated the innings flawlessly, ensuring no further wicket loss. The duo’s partnership showcased resilience and skill, overcoming tricky batting conditions and ultimately securing a historic series sweep. Williamson was named Player of the Series for his spectacular display of batting throughout the series.
Comprehensive victory after initial challenges
Following a dominant 281-run win at Bay Oval in the first Test, the second encounter proved to be a more challenging but comprehensive victory for New Zealand. Despite South Africa’s criticism for fielding a weakened squad, they fought valiantly, dismissing the Black Caps for 211 after posting 242 in their initial visit to the crease. However, the Black Caps mounted a spirited comeback. South Africa’s second innings saw them all out for 235, setting a target of 267 for New Zealand.
Also WATCH: Glenn Phillip✤s’ breathtaking catch to see-off Keegan Petersen
Australia challenge
With this series triumph, New Zealand solidifies its cricketing prowess, and the attention now shifts to the upcoming two-match Test series against the reigning world Test champions, Australia, starting from February 29. The Black Caps will seek to carry the momentum from this historic victory into the much-anti🅠cipated clash with the form♊idable Australian side.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
With an unbeatable com🍰binat𒁃ion of skill, patience and humility, Kane Williamson has quietly produced century no 32.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)
A 32nd test century for Kane Williamson…and most likely a match winning one. There's no doubt about it…we're watching one of the all time greats.
— Aatif Nawaz (@AatifNawaz)
For someone who uses the expression “it is what𒆙 it is” more ofte💛n than most in press conferences, it’s kind of ironic that Kane Williamson scoring a Test century has become an “it is what it is” event for opposition teams the world over. Freakish ton maker
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
New Ze🅷aland have beaten South Africa for theꦚ first time in a Test series.
Kane Williamson is a class above. Immense disappointment for a South African s🍃ide that gave themselves a genuine chance.
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM)
Everybody knew early on that Kane Williamson will go down as New Zealand's greatest cricketer.
But watching him evolve and achieve this greatn𒁃ess has been an absolute blessing.
A beautiful so꧟ul, consistent run-maker, a beloved leader.
We bow to you 🫡
— Brok�﷽�en Cricket Dreams Cricket Blog (@cricket_broken)
New Zealand get the job done. Kane Williamson in particular and Will Young were calm in a great partnership. The Black Caps' fifth-highest successful run chase in Tests.
South Africa competed really well in this Test. They should be satisfied wi𝓀th the wa𒁏y they played.
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog)
32nd Test century for Kane Williamson 😊
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
Having watched al📖l Fab 4 in꧒ Tests , I think Kane Williamson is undisputedly no.1 . Calm , Cool and Assured , never throws away his wicket. Now he is the fastest to 32 centuries in terms of innings, wished NZ played more tests so I can watch the G.O.A.T more .
— FPL_GunnerJJJ (@FPL_GunnerJJJ)
Test Hundred number 32 for New Zealand legend Kane Williamson – Class as you get – 100* runs from 203 balls including 9 fours & 2 sixes.
Well played, Kane.
— Usman awan (@Malikusmanawann)
🚨 The highest successful chase in Hamilton
🚨 NZ's 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗥 Test series win over South Africa
🚨 NZ win 2-0— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA)
Look at the STATS! Simply Fantasꦇtic stats to proud of, None other New Zealand batters scored more hundreds tha♛n Kane Williamson!
— Aqdas Rehman (@AqdasRehman)
The fact that Kane Williamson has been playing test cricket the same amount of time I've been out of high school is frankly mortifying.
— Stephen Gallagher (@SWTGallagher)
Seven💙 Tests and seven Kane Williamson centuries. Undoubtedly, he is the best male Test🍃 batter right now.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket)
💎//twitter.com/YouBe❀arsssssss/status/1758350594824118755
South Africa should be proud they really put 𒁏the pressure on the Black Caps and they have some great talent🔜! Loved watching both test matches!! They really took the fight to the Black Caps great effort 👏👏
— Aaron 🇳🇿 🦍 (@BlizzardKing_)
Happy for SA who disrepcted test cricket dese🔯rve this series loss
— Freddii ☆ (@faisalimra8855)
NEW ZEALAND TAKE THE SERIES
A valiant effort from the Proteas,in Hamilton, was not enough as Kane Williamson's ton steers the Black Caps to a 2-0 series victory. 🇿🇦🇳🇿
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA)
For the first time in history the Proteas haꦯve los👍t a test series against NZ
The main positives coming from this series is David Bedingham cementing his place and Ruan de Swardt putting his hand up to some e💝xtent
The next 🃏test series is against the Wind🌳ies in August
— Werner (@Werries_)
