Kane Williamson produces record-breaking hundred as New Zealand win their first Test series vs South Africa

New Zealand batter Kane Williamson is currently having a dream run. ICC’s number-one Test batter was in sublime form as he guided the Kiwis to a historic series victory against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton. Williamson produced a phenomenal unbeaten knock of 133 in the second innings of the final Test as New Zealand clinched a seven-wicket victory to seal the series 2-0 against the Proteas. With this match-winning century, Williamson became the quickest batter to notch 32 Test hundreds.

Williamson surpassed Australia’s Steven Smith’s record (174 innings) to become the quickest player to score 32 hundreds in Test cricket. Williamson achieved the milestone in his 172nd innings. Former Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting (176) and Sachin Tendulkar (179) come next on this elite list of batters.

Fastest batters to reach 32 Test centuries (innings)

172 – Kane Williamson (New Zealand)

174 – Steve Smith (Australia)

176 – Ricky Ponting (Australia)

179 – Sachin Tendulkar (India)

193 – Younis Khan (Pakistan)

Coming down to bat at three, during New Zealand’s 267-run chase, Williamson came up with a vital knock. Williamson breached the three-digit mark off 203 deliveries. His magnificent knock comprised 12 fours and two sixes.

Williamson also succeeded in equalling former Pakistan batter Younis Khan’s record (5) for scoring the most number of tons in the fourth innings of a Test. The fourth-innings knock of Williamson also marked his sixth hundred against South Africa. With this, the Kiwi batter matched former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis for recording the most number of hundreds in Tests played between New Zealand and South Africa.

Williamson notched seven centuries in his last seven Tests. In the Test series opener against South Africa in Mount Maunganui, Williamson scored centuries in both innings – 118 and 109. New Zealand had scripted a resounding 281-run win against South Africa in that fixture.

Apart from Williamson, New Zealand’s Will Young contributed with a crucial 60-run knock (unbeaten) to guide the hosts to an emphatic victory against South Africa in the second Test. This is also New Zealand’s first-ever Test series win over South Africa.

New Zealand now hold the top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. They will next be up against reigning WTC champions Australia in a two-match series, scheduled to start on February 29.