New Zealand batter Kane Williamson achieved a massive milestone during the second and final Test against South Africa. On the fourth day of the match. Kane Williamson became the joint-century record holder in the fourth innings in the history of Test cricket.
Kane Williamson showcased exceptional form in New Zealand’s pursuit of 267 runs on a challenging Seddon Park pitch in Hamilton. The right-handed batter single-handedly shifted momentum in favor of the hosts to secure the Test victory against the Proteas.
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Kane Williamson Equals Younis Khan’s Record During Second Test
Williamson anchored the innings during the run chase and achieved his century in 203 balls during the final session of Day 4. As the former captain reached his hundred, no other batsman managed to surpass the 30-run mark during New Zealand’s second innings.
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The 33-year-old batter equaled former Pakistan cricketer Younis Khan’s (five) record for the most centuries in the fourth innings of a Test match. Graeme Smith, Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, and Ramnaresh Sarwan each scored four centuries in the fourth innings.
Most Fourth-innings Hundreds In Test Cricket
5 – Kane Williamson
5 – Younis Khan
4 – Graeme Smith, Sunil Gavaskar, Ricky Ponting, Ramnaresh Sarwan
Kane Williamson posed a significant challenge to South Africa throughout the series and notched his third century in four innings. The star batter scored twin hundreds in the first Test, making him one of only five New Zealand batters to achieve this feat in a single match.
Williamson showcased resilience in the first innings, scoring a gritty 43 runs before being dismissed by off-spinner Dane Piedt. However, he delivered a remarkable batting performance in the final innings. He became the fastest batter to reach 32 hundreds in Tests.
Kane received crucial support from Will Young, who stabilized the innings, to prevent a collapse similar to the first innings. The former New Zealand captain smashed the winning runs, guiding the team to their first Test series victory against the South African team.
The No. 3 batter scored an unbeaten 133 runs off 260 deliveries with the help of 12 deliveries and two sixes. Young remained unbeaten on 60 runs off 134 balls, including eight boundaries. The Kiwis completed the run chase with seven wickets in hand.
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Kane Williamson To Miss T20I Series Against Australia
Kane Williamson will be absent from the upcoming three-match T20I series against the Australian cricket team at home. The New Zealand white-ball captain opted out of the series to take paternity leave, with the star batter and his wife expecting their third child.
Mitchell Santner will lead the team in Williamson’s absence. All-rounder Daryll Mitchell has been sidelined due to a foot injury. Notably, Trent Boult makes a comeback to the New Zealand T20I squad after a 15-month hiatus, strengthening the Kiwi’s pace bowling attack.
New Zealand Squad: Mitchell Santner (c), Finn Allen, Trent Boult (games 2 & 3), Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Devon Conway (wk), Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Adam Milne, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Seifert (wk), Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (game 1)
