CRICKET
Kane Williamson surpasses special record held by Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting during his Test ton vs South Africa
New Zealand completed a fine series win against South Africa to take the series 2-0. Kane Williamson was the star of the chase with an unbeaten century. This was his 32nd Test century and also made him the fastest man to get to the mark.
The 33-year-old went past the previous record held by former Australian skipper Steve Smith. The Australian batter had scored his 32nd Test ton in 174 innings. Williamson got to the mark in his 172nd outing to claim the top spot.
Former batting greats Sachin Tendulkar and Ricky Ponting had held the previous records. Australia’s former skipper Ricky Ponting scored his 32nd ton in his 176th innings. Sachin Tendulkar got to the mark during his 179th innings for India.
New Zealand sweep home to easy win against South Africa –
Tim Southee and his New Zealand side ended day three at 40/1 chasing 267 to win. Devon Conway’s wicket at the tail end saw Kane Williamson emerge. The former Kiwi Test skipper was his usual self at the crease oozing class.
Dane Piedt got his second wicket of the innings when he had Tom Latham caught by Hamza for 30. At 53/2 the Kiwis seemed to be in a spot of bother and it was soon 117/3. Rachin Ravindra was out for 20 caught by the skipper to give Piedt the third wicket of the innings.
The South African team fancied their chances as the wickets kept falling. Will Young joined Kane Williamson and the two batters ended any hopes of fighting back. This win means that New Zealand have won the series 2-0.
Kane Williamson hit the winning runs when he smashed a boundary to stay not out on 133. His knock came off 260 balls with 12 fours and two sixes. His partner Will Young was not out on 60 off 134 balls with 8 hits to the fence. The 7-wicket win also helps New Zealand move up in the World Test Championship standings.
South Africa put up a great fight as they made a fist of it during the second Test. David Bedingham scored his first Test ton as an under-strength South African side gave it their all.