Senior New Zealand batter Kane Williamson smacked a terrific century against South Africa in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Lahore. He stitched a 164-run partnership with Rachin Ravindra, which put the Black Caps ahead in the race.
Kane Williamson played a terrific knock against South Africa in the semi-final of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Will Young departed early, scoring 21 runs and after that, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra took care of business, stitching a partnership of 164 runs. The youngster made 108 runs, while soon after his dismissal, Williamson completed his ton in 91 balls.
Kane Williamson played a terrific knock against South Africa in the semi-final of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025. Will Young departed early, scoring 21 runs and after that, Williamson and Rachin Ravindra took care of business, stitching a partnership of 164 runs. The youngster made 108 runs, while soon after his dismissal, Williamson completed his ton in 91 balls.
It was Williamson’s 48th century in international cricket. He is now tied with the legendary Rahul Dravid and Steve Smith. When it comes to the ODIs, it was his 15th in the format and third consecutive against South Africa. The 34-year-old took responsibility in the middle and delivered a crunch performance to help the team post a strong total on the board.
Meanwhile, Williamson departed soon after his century. The senior batter made 102 runs before falling prey to Wiian Mulder. After his dismissal, Daryl Mitchell played a scintillating knock, scoring 49 runs. Batting at six, Glenn Phillips supported him well. The flamboyant batter smacked boundaries for fun and after Mitchell departed, he continued with the momentum, scoring 49 runs in 27 balls.
South Africa, on the other hand, had a tough day in the field. After Lungi Ngidi gave them an early breakthrough, the Proeas failed to capitalize on the momentum. The partnership between Ravindra and Williamson slightly pushed them out of the contest. Towards the fag end, they managed to clinch a couple of wickets but the Black Caps batters didn’t compromise on their strike rate and that helped them post 362 runs on the board in the first innings.
The Temba Bavuma-led side needs a strong start with the bat in the second innings. The powerplay will be extremely crucial for them to get going, or else, New Zealand can register a comfortable win.
