On the Day 3 of the first test match at Bay Oval between New Zealand and South Africa, Kane Williamson showcased his batting mastery, following his first-innings century with an enterprising 109 off 132 balls. This stellar performance propelled New Zealand to a commanding lead of 528 runs, ending the day at 179/4.
South Africa’s batting collapse and New Zealand decision to bat again
South Africa, resuming the day at 80/4, struggled against the disciplined Black Caps bowlers who secured wickets at regular intervals. Facing the relentless New Zealand bowling attack, South Africa’s batter, with the exception of Keegan Petersen (45), failed to display resilience, getting bundled out for 162 and conceding a significant lead of 349 runs to the hosts. Despite the option to enforce the follow-on, Tim Southee chose to bat again. In the second innings, New Zealand lost Tom Latham (3) early, but Williamson and Devon Conway (29) built a substantial partnership, making it evident that the Kiwis aimed to bat the visitors out of the game.
Kane Williamson’s steady progress and crucial partnerships
Williamson, in tandem with Conway, forged a crucial second-wicket stand of 92. While Conway fell to Neil Brand after a slog-sweep to deep midwicket, Williamson continued steadily. The first-innings hero, Rachin Ravindra, contributed 12 runs and added 41 runs with the former captain, before falling to Ruan de Swardt.
Also READ: New Zealand announces a strong 14-man squad for South Africa Tests; Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra return
Williamson’s flourish
The highlight of Williamson’s innings came at the stroke of stumps on Day 3, showcasing his class and dominance. As he reached his century, Williamson exhibited his batting prowess with a punch on the off side for a single, swiftly followed by a majestic six over wide long-on in Brand’s next over. The display of aggressive yet controlled strokes demonstrated Williamson’s command over the game. However, the innings ended with a stumping on 109 as he attempted another big shot on the leg side against Brand. New Zealand concluded the day at 179/4, building a substantial lead of 528 runs with Daryl Mitchell and Tom Blundell at the crease.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Kane Williamson, born to bat. Test century number 31.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 6, 2024
The great New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson scored his 31st test century today. In his last six test matches he has scored 839 runs at an average of 83.90 with an amazing six centuries and a highest score of 215. In all tests he has now scored 8,490 runs at an average of 55.12. pic.twitter.com/P1F6lOIL03
— Alan Katzmann (@Katzo60) February 6, 2024
2 💯 in 2 innings back to back WOW “Kane Williamson”
Also this is his 31st 💯 in Test Cricket pic.twitter.com/PXMqIsoaLe
— Arpit Verma (@AV18mth) February 6, 2024
Back to back tons for Kane Williamson 💪👏#KaneWilliamson #NZvSA #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/WD7beyD8Nb
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 6, 2024
Kane Williamson has now scored 3 Test centuries at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui. Nobody else has more than one Test century at this ground.#NZvsSA
— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@rhitankar8616) February 6, 2024
Twin tons for Kane Williamson – looks like the only one of the “fab four” to be showing much “fab-ness”.
— Stephen Tristram (@StephenTristram) February 6, 2024
World’s No 1 Batter Kane Williamson scored each innings century against South Africa. 31 Centuries so far and 11 centuries since 2020 #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/AYGvF6zVDO
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) February 6, 2024
The bowling attack might be garbage and third class but you can’t deny the class of the man! Kane Williamson is elite!He makes batting look ridiculously easy! His biggest test will come against aussie bowlers at home not these lollypop club bowlers of South Africa!
— Troll cricket unlimitedd (@TUnlimitedd) February 6, 2024
One-sided international matches going on with franchise T20 cricket all around the world. At what point does the ICC wake up and realise what’s going on?#AUSvWI #NZvSA
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 6, 2024
NZ continue their complete dominance over SA, reaching stumps on effectively 528-4
Declaration surely comes overnight #NZvSA
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 6, 2024
It is hard enough with the bowling attack we have to take wickets; dropping Williamson in both innings doesn’t exactly help the cause#NZvSA
— Werner (@Werries_) February 6, 2024
South Africa batted poorly in the test against NEW ZEALAND #NZvsSA
— Farhan Khan 🇺🇸 (@FarhanKhan_mm) February 6, 2024
DAY 3 | STUMPS
Umpires call it a day in Tauranga as New Zealand extend their lead to 528 runs courtesy of Kane Williamson’s century. Neil Brand leads the bowling for the Proteas with figures of 2/52☝
🇦🇺 NZ 511& 179/4
🇿🇦 Proteas 162 #WozaNawe #BePartOfIt #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/N7vOafKiOt— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) February 6, 2024
