New Zealand end 92-year drought following 2-0 victory over South Africa in Tests

Kane Williamson guided the New Zealand team to their first-ever series win over South Africa in 92 years of Test cricket. New Zealand secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the second and final Test match of the series against the South Africa team on home soil.

The Tim Southee-led team pulled off a record chase in the fourth innings at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The hosts successfully chased down a 267-run target on Day 4, sealing a 2-0 series sweep. New Zealand took 18 attempts for their first series victory over the Proteas.

Kane Williamson Guides New Zealand To Their First Test Series vs South Africa

The home team began the fourth day’s play at 40 for 1, with Tom Latham and Kane Williamson at the crease. However, they faced an early setback as Dane Piedt dismissed Tom Latham. The left-handed batter scored 30 runs off 57 deliveries, including five boundaries.

However, Rachin Ravindra and Williamson stood firm for a brief period to ensure New Zealand didn’t collapse under pressure. The duo added a 64-run partnership for the third wicket. Piedt struck again and sent back Rachin Ravindra, restricting the opposition to 117/3.

Williamson and Will Young forged an unbroken 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket during the run chase. The former New Zealand skipper reached his 32nd century in Test cricket. The No. 3 batter also recorded his third century out of four innings in the red-ball series.

Kane Williamson scored an unbeaten 133 runs off 260 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and two sixes. Will Young, who played a supporting role, remained unbeaten on 60 runs off 134 deliveries. Kane scored the match-winning runs to create history in Hamilton.

Young New Zealand seamer Will O’Rourke secured a nine-wicket haul in his debut Test match. His standout performance earned him the Player of the Match award. Williamson was recognized with the series award for his outstanding contribution of 403 runs.

For The First Couple Of Days, South Africa Outplayed Us – Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson credited South Africa for their strong performance in the first two days, acknowledging that they outplayed New Zealand. He emphasized the importance of building partnerships and fighting to change momentum.

“Coming into today on a wearing surface we knew we were going to have to string partnerships together. Credit to South Africa. Certainly for the first couple of days they outplayed us I thought. We had to fight hard to get out of that position and change momentum and with the partnerships and seeing off the new ball were able to give ourselves the chance,” Williamson said.

The inexperienced South African team bowled out the New Zealand team for just 211 runs in the first innings. Kane Williamson top-scored for the home team, scoring 43 runs. The visitors took a valuable 31-run lead as off-spinner Dane Piedt claimed five wickets.

Also read: NZ vs SA Scorecard, 2nd Test Highlights 2024: Kane Williamson, Will O’Rourke guide New Zealand to their first Test series win vs South Africa