Kane Williamson scored a fantastic century as the New Zealanders recorded their first ever Test series win against the South Africans. The former captain was calmness personified as he broke through everything that was thrown at him in the fourth innings. The South Africans tried their best but the hosts were brilliant with the bat led by the ever brilliant Williamson. The fourth day disappointed as it promised so much but delivered little in terms of cricketing excitement.
Team Lineups
South African made a controversial call of fielding six debutants during the first Test match. The Proteas have been criticised for ignoring Test wicket in favour of their own T20 franchise. Most of the regular faces of South Africa’s Test team are busy playing in the SA T20 tournament. So, Neil Brand was brought in to captain the side during the tour of New Zealand. T
The 27 year old finger spinner was one of the six debutants who took the field at Bay Oval. Duanne Olivier was the most experienced member of the team in the first test. However, the 31 year old pacer got dropped from the team in favour of Dane Piedt. Piedt got selected for the South African team after a break of four and a half years. Opener Edward Moore was also axed from the line-up. 37 year old spin all-rounder Shaun van Borg was given his debut. Clyde Fortuin was promoted up the order to fill the vacant spot of Moore.
New Zealand made three changes to their team that beat New Zealand comprehensively in the first year. Daryl Mitchell has been struggling with a recurring foot injury. The 31 year old has been ruled out for this series and the one against Australia. Will Young came to the team to replace him. The Kiwis opted for more pace with the inclusion of Neil Wagner in the place of Mitch Santner. The 37 year old Pretoria-born pacer plays his first Test match in 15 months. Despite impressing with the ball in the first Test, Kyle Jamieson was not considered for this match. Young pace sensation Will O’Rourke was selected to represent his country for the first time on the Test arena. O’Rourke has played 3 ODis before this match.
New Zealand
1. Tom Latham 2. Devon Conway 3. Kane Williamson 4. Rachin Ravindra 5. Will Young 6. Tom Blundell (WK) 7. Glenn Phillps 8. Matt Henry 9. Tim Southee (Cap.) 10. Neil Wagner 11. Will O’Rourke
South Africa
- Neil Brand (Cap.) 2. Clyde Fortuin (WK) 3. Raynard van Tonder 4. Zubyar Hamza 5. David Bedingham 6. Keegan Petersen 7. Ruan de Swardt 8. Shaun von Berg 9. Dane Pledt 10. Tshepo Moreki 11. Dane Paterson
South Africa’s stand-in skipper Neil Brand won the coin toss and made a predictable decision to bat first on a solid wicket. The playing surface at the Bay Oval is known to assist the bowlers. The fast bowlers in particular, can play a key role with the new ball. If they can exploit the existing conditions effectively, the batsmen will be in trouble while negotiating the new ball. There is significant movement and bounce in the early parts of the innings. But once the dust settles, the batsmen would also enjoy batting on the surface. The ball would come perfectly into the bat and the batsmen would be able to make some strokes.
27 games have been played at this ground till date. The average first innings total of 312 is an indication of the ground’s inclination towards producing a high scoring match. Surprisingly, the average second innings score is higher. The teams that have batted second, have amassed an average total of 328 in their innings. The teams that have batted second have won 10 matches. The teams batting first won on nine occasions. So, it is an evenly balanced battle. Ultimately the contest would come down to the batters who would find scoring runs at this ground quite easy compared with the other venues in New Zealand.
Fixture
New Zealand and South Africa have met on 48 occasions before this Test. There is a clear pattern in dominance between the two sides. South Africa is clear of their Kiwi counterparts with 26 wins. New Zealand has managed only 6 wins from this fixture. 16 matches have finished in draws. In the tests on New Zealand soil, the home team has secured three wins. New Zealand has been a happy hunting ground for the Proteas who have secured nine victories in this Oceanian country. The last Test series between these two teams was played during the 2021-22 season. That two match series ended in a 1-1 draw.
| Venue | The second and final game of the two match series was played at the iconic Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand. |
| Date | The game started on Tuesday, February 14, 2024, at 10:30. local time. |
Captaincy & Tactics
In a masterclass display of composure and skill, Kane Williamson’s sublime century in the fourth innings paved the way for New Zealand’s historic triumph over South Africa, securing a 2-0 series sweep at Hamilton’s Seddon Park, marking their first Test series victory against the Proteas.
Williamson’s unbeaten 133 further solidified his cricketing prowess, extending his remarkable streak to seven centuries in seven consecutive Tests. Rebounding from a rare failure in Dhaka, he exhibited exceptional form with consecutive hundreds in the opening Test against South Africa at Mount Maunganui. Teaming up with Will Young, who contributed a vital unbeaten 60, Williamson orchestrated a resilient 152-run partnership for the fourth wicket, steering New Zealand to a comfortable victory with seven wickets in hand.
Amidst challenges posed by the surface’s variable bounce and turn, Williamson’s innings epitomized his trademark calm and unwavering focus, showcasing his ability to navigate difficult conditions with poise.
New Zealand, commencing the day at 40 for 1, prioritized navigating the initial exchanges unscathed. Despite early setbacks with the dismissals of Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra by Dane Piedt, who claimed his seventh and eighth wickets of the match, South Africa struggled to disrupt New Zealand’s progress. While the scoring rate remained modest, with successive sessions yielding 67 and 66 runs respectively, Williamson’s resolute presence ensured New Zealand’s stability throughout the chase.
Building his innings meticulously, Williamson quietly advanced to 92 by afternoon, unfurling an array of strokes that included elegant backfoot punches, deftly placed shots to deep midwicket, and authoritative sixes down the ground. By tea, New Zealand stood firmly at 173 for 3, a mere 94 runs shy of victory. The final session saw New Zealand effortlessly reach their target after Williamson’s century and Young’s composed half-century, devoid of any significant hurdles.
Celebrating his 32nd Test century, Williamson achieved an impressive feat by converting each of his last eight 50-plus scores just before the introduction of the second new ball.
Young’s supportive role proved crucial as he adeptly absorbed pressure to reach his fifty off 118 deliveries. Displaying a blend of patience and aggression, Young struck the ball to the boundary eight times while showcasing resilience after surviving a contentious caught-behind decision off Shaun von Berg’s bowling.
In a match distinguished by individual performances, debutant fast bowler Will O’Rourke earned the Player of the Match accolade for his impactful nine-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Williamson’s stellar contributions with the bat earned him the series’ top honor for amassing 403 runs across the enthralling two-match Test series, ultimately capping off a memorable campaign for the New Zealand skipper and his team.
Batting Analysis
In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, Kane Williamson crafted three centuries in four innings, propelling New Zealand to a historic Test series victory over South Africa. This monumental achievement marked New Zealand’s maiden triumph against South Africa in Test cricket, with Williamson’s stellar contributions playing a pivotal role in five out of their 18 encounters, establishing himself as the leading century-scorer for New Zealand in clashes against the Proteas.
In the picturesque setting of Hamilton, Williamson orchestrated yet another masterpiece, guiding New Zealand to their highest successful chase at Seddon Park and sealing the series with a resounding 2-0 win.
Throughout the intense pursuit of 267 runs, New Zealand faced more adversity from the deteriorating playing conditions than the South African bowling attack, underscoring the significance of Williamson’s unshakeable temperament. Navigating a slow surface offering turn, Williamson showcased unwavering focus, exercising patience and discretion in shot selection – attributes that define his exemplary batting ethos.
Regarded as a batsman who thrives in his “batting bubble,” Williamson’s insatiable hunger for runs and relentless dedication to his craft stood out to his teammates and opponents alike. New Zealand’s skipper Tim Southee lauded Williamson’s work ethic, emphasizing his exceptional commitment to improvement through rigorous training regimes and unwavering focus during matches.
South Africa’s stand-in captain Neil Brand acknowledged Williamson’s pivotal role in the contest, recognizing the immense challenge of breaching his defenses. Despite coming close to dismissing Williamson on a few occasions, South Africa’s bowlers were unable to breach his resolve, a testament to the Kiwi captain’s experience, skill, and a dash of good fortune.
As the pressures mounted, Williamson’s composure shone through, as he weathered the storm and gradually shifted the momentum in New Zealand’s favor. His calculated approach and match awareness were evident as he expertly maneuvered through tense phases, ultimately steering his team towards victory.
Reflecting on Williamson’s sublime batting display, South Africa’s coach Shukri Conrad commended the Kiwi maestro’s methodical approach, highlighting the invaluable lessons his innings imparted to both inexperienced and seasoned players. Conrad emphasized the importance of emulating Williamson’s unwavering focus, respect for the game, and hunger for success as key attributes for aspiring cricketers to embrace.
In the aftermath of a captivating duel between bat and ball, South Africa found themselves outclassed by Williamson’s brilliance, underscoring the importance of strategic decisions and maintaining composure under pressure in high-stakes encounters. Brand identified pivotal moments in the match that underscored the significance of tactical acumen and discipline, sentiments echoed by his counterparts and cricket aficionados alike.
As the dust settled on a riveting series, Kane Williamson’s legacy as a cricketing icon continued to grow, with his unparalleled consistency and match-winning prowess cementing his status as one of the game’s finest. With numerous records to his name, including the joint-most second innings centuries in Tests, Williamson’s influence on New Zealand’s fortunes remains unmatched, with his mere presence in the lineup often guaranteeing success.
Looking ahead to future challenges, Williamson’s focus and determination to scale new heights serve as a beacon of inspiration for his teammates and fans alike. As he prepares to mark his 100th Test appearance alongside captain Southee, the prospect of further milestones and historic achievements looms large, underscoring the enduring legacy of one of New Zealand’s cricketing luminaries.
Bowling Analysis
what a splendid performance it was by Williamson, guiding the Black Caps to a remarkable victory over the Proteas in a riveting Test match in Hamilton. His unbeaten innings of 133 not out in the fourth innings played a pivotal role in securing a 2-0 series triumph over the touring team, who were missing key players.
This historic win marked New Zealand’s first series victory against South Africa in 90 years and 17 attempts, dating back to 1931. Williamson’s masterclass at the crease was a sight to behold, as he meticulously crafted his innings over 260 deliveries, forming an unbreachable partnership of 152 runs with Will Young, who provided valuable support with his unbeaten 60.
The seasoned 33-year-old batsman showcased his exceptional form by scoring his seventh century in as many Tests, including a stellar double century in the first Test at Mount Maunganui. Surpassing the likes of Steve Smith, Williamson set a new record as the fastest player in Test history to reach 32 centuries, achieving this milestone in just 172 innings.
Resuming the day’s play at 40-1, Williamson displayed patience and composure on a challenging pitch, blending caution with aggression to compile 12 boundaries and two maximums. Reflecting on his innings, he acknowledged the importance of patience and the battle of attrition that unfolded between the two sides.
The Test match also witnessed a sterling debut performance by New Zealand seamer Will O’Rourke, who claimed a total of nine wickets and was rightfully awarded the man-of-the-match accolade. However, it was Williamson who shone brightest throughout the series, earning the prestigious player of the series title for his consistent brilliance with the bat.
Despite a few early setbacks with the dismissals of Latham and Ravindra, Young’s resilience steadied the ship for New Zealand as they chased down the target of 267 to clinch the victory. South Africa, fielding a relatively inexperienced side due to player absences, struggled to make inroads apart from Piedt, who impressed with his three crucial wickets.
Captain Neil Brand, leading a Proteas team comprising many Test debutants, expressed disappointment over losing crucial wickets in the final session of day three. Despite the defeat, Brand remained hopeful that the exposure gained from this series would benefit the inexperienced players and potentially strengthen the South African squad in the future.
In summary, this Test series showcased moments of grit, determination, and skill, with Williamson’s batting brilliance and O’Rourke’s memorable debut performances standing out as highlights in New Zealand’s historic triumph over South Africa.
Key Performances
Kane Williamson’s 133 ultimately turned out to be a match decider. The seasoned veteran is now the quickest batsman to reach the 32 century mark in Test cricket. He has converted seven out of his last eight half centuries into triple figures. His efforts were greatly backed up by Will Young. The right-hander scored 60 runs from 134 balls to steer his side safely towards victory.
Dane Piedt was the pick of bowlers for the Proteas by taking all the three wickets in the second innings. The inexperienced bowling lineup struggled while facing the brilliance of Kane Williamson. But Will O’Rourke was the ultimate star man with the ball by picking up record smashing 9 for 93 on debut.
Match Result
The South Africans comprehensively won the Test match by seven wickets with Williamson and O’Rourke performing brilliantly.
Series Result
The New Zealanders have finally managed to break the hoodoo by beating South Africa 2-0 in this series. This is the Kiwi’s first Test series win against the Proteas in 18 attempts.
Man of the Match
For his record setting match figures of 9 for 93, Will O’Rourke was adjudged man of the match in his first ever Test match. The 22 year old pace bowler secured 4 wickets for 59 runs in the first innings. He followed that up with a fifer for 34 runs in a fiery spell of pace bowling.
Man of the Series
Kiwi legend Kane Williamson won the man of match award for scoring 403 runs in the Test match at an average of 134.33.
Brief Scorecard
| South Africa First Innings: 242 (97.2 overs) | New Zealand First Innings: 211 (77.2 overs) | South Africa Second Innings: 235/10 (69.5 overs) | New Zealand Second Innings: 269/3 (94.2 overs) |
| Ruan de Swardt 64 (156) | Kane Williamson 43 (108) | David Bedingham 110 (141) | Kane Williamson 133 (260) |
| David Bedingham 39 (102) | Will Young 36 (73) | Keegan Petersen 43 (79) | Will Young 60 (134) |
| Will O’Rourke 4/59 (18.2 overs) | Dane Piedt 5/89 (32.3 overs) | Will O’Rourke 5/34 (13.5 overs) | Dane Piedt 3/93 (32 overs) |
| Rachin Ravindra 3/33 (21.0 overs) | Dan Paterson 3/39 (17 overs) | Glenn Phillps 2/50 (15 overs) | Ruan de Swardt 0/7 (6 overs) |
Day Highlights
Day Wrap-Up
The New Zealanders sealed the second Test match and completed a clean sweep against the Proteas. Will O’Rourke built the platform with nine wickets on debut. The rest of the most work was completed by Kane Williamson who reached his seventh century in the last eight Test matches. The Kiwis would host neighbours Australia for a Test series in the next fixture. The South Africans would face Sri Lanka in their next fixture.
