history for New Zealand! Williamson ices the run-chase the only way he can, and New Zealand win a Test series against South Africa for the first time ever! Over-pitched outside off and Williamson was never going to miss out. He leant into the drive and creamed it between extra cover and mid off. This is also the highest successful run-chase at Seddon Park, and New Zealand's fifth highest run-chase in Test cricket history, and Williamson, arguably their greatest ever batter, has been front and centre!
New Zealand vs South Africa, 2nd Test at Hamilton, NZ v SA, Feb 13 2024 - Match Result
6:20pm Right. That will be all from us, folks. Hope you enjoyed our coverage throughout this series. Until next time, this is me (Shashwat) saying goodbye on behalf of Srinidhi, Sudeep and everyone else at ESPNcricinfo. Take care!
6:15pm There will be plenty of takeaways for South Africa, despite having lost the series. Bedingham's returns would have definitely pleased them, while Piedt, playing his first Test since October 2019, picked up eight wickets at Hamilton. There might be a sinking feeling of what if, given the strong positions they found themselves in at Seddon Park but this bunch of cricketers will certainly benefit from this experience, and will now know what it takes to win Tests away from home.
New Zealand, on the other hand, will be delighted with the result. They were not at their absolute best across the series but they have gotten the job done, even extending their lead at the top of the WTC points table. Their next assignment? Against second-placed Australia, starting February 29, and things are now set up beautifully.
6:05pm Well, New Zealand did it at a canter. At the start of the day, the game was very much in the balance. Williamson, though, did not put a foot wrong. He kept out the good balls, waited for his moments and attacked whenever necessary. His handling of the situation and the pressure was exemplary, and he found an able ally in Young, who finished unbeaten on 60. Don't forget the part O'Rourke played yesterday too in restricting South Africa to 235 in the second innings and giving the Kiwis a real shot at a historic run-chase.
As for South Africa, they will be gutted at having let this game slip. When Bedingham was going strong yesterday, they would have felt they could have put the target beyond the Black Caps' reach. It was not to be, however. The flurry of wickets late on day three was a precursor to an unimaginative bowling display today, and while there were the odd moments of bowling brilliance, it was just not enough to prise open the game.
length just outside off. Williamson, rather calmly, keeps this one out too
full on middle and off. Flicked down the ground to long on
short on off stump. Young goes deep into his crease and tucks it away towards deep mid wicket
full on middle and leg. Young advances before blocking it back to the bowler
flighted up full outside off. Williamson stretches forward and eases it to long on
back of a length on middle and leg. Williamson goes back and pokes it towards mid wicket
length just outside off. Williamson opts to stay back and hurriedly prods it into the off side
Here's Piedt again. Can New Zealand polish off the run-chase this over?
length just outside off. Young presses half forward and pats it into the off side
full and wide outside off. Williamson throws his hands at it and slices it past cover point for three more runs
nitin: "Williamson equalled the world record of test centuries in 4th Innings of test cricket...Congrats Champ"
back of a length outside off. Nips away sharply and Williamson, who went fishing at it, is beaten on the outside
full on off stump. Williamson blocks it into the off side. Moreki has overstepped, meaning that NZ need eight more now!
back of a length outside off. Williamson hops up onto his toes and jabs it towards cover
fullish and slanting into off stump. Williamson comes half forward and defends
length just outside off. Kicks up off the surface and Williamson does well to drop it into the leg side
New Zealand need just nine more runs to seal a 2-0 series win
full outside off again. Another single picked up into the backward point region
full just outside off. Young comes forward and dabs it into the vacant backward point region. He wanted the second but Williamson was not interested
length outside off. Williamson goes right back and taps it into the point region
dangles the carrot full outside off. Williamson looks for the inside-out drive but ends up scuffing it to mid off
hung up full outside off. Williamson opens his bat face and nudges it enough to deep point's left to race back for two
2W | ||||
2W |
1W | ||||
2W | 1W | |||
2W | ||||
Seddon Park, Hamilton | |
Toss | South Africa, elected to bat first |
Series | |
Season | 2023/24 |
Player Of The Match | |
Player Of The Series | |
Series result | New Zealand won the 2-match series 2-0 |
Match number | Test no. 2529 |
Hours of play (local time) | 11.00 start, Lunch 13.00-13.40, Tea 15.40-16.00, Close 18.00 |
Match days | 13,14,15,16 February 2014 - day (5-day match) |
Test debut | |
Umpires | |
TV Umpire | |
Reserve Umpire | |
Match Referee | |
Points | New Zealand 12, South Africa 0 |