Kane Williamson produced a sensational knock on the first day of the first Test match against South Africa at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on 4th February 2024. South African captain Neil Brand won the toss and decided to field first. Kane Williamson came to the crease after the wicket of Devon Conway. Tom Latham looked impressive along with Williamson keeping the scoreboard ticking.
The stylish left-handed Latham was dismissed by Dane Paterson. Latham and Williamson added 37 runs for 2nd wicket. Kane Williamson looked impressive against an inexperienced South African bowling lineup. He showed intent not allowing the bowlers to settle along with Rachin Ravindra. Williamson and Ravindra ensured that New Zealand went into lunch break at 65 for 2. After the lunch break, both New Zealand batters showed their class.
Williamson completed his fifty off 144 deliveries while Ravindra also looked composed. Both batters played according to their merit and made life tough for South African bowlers. New Zealand went into the tea break at 125 for 2. After the tea break, Williamson and Ravindra scored runs easily hitting the bad deliveries away for boundaries. Williamson scored his 30th Test century off 241 deliveries while Ravindra also looked at ease.
Kane Williamson pushes the team total over 100 on Day 1 with a cover drive for FOUR! #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/WBv4HgyaFV
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 4, 2024
Both Williamson and Ravindra were given a reprieve. It was a sensational batting effort as New Zealand ended the opening day in a strong position at 258 for 2. South African captain Neil Brand took the second new ball. Williamson and Ravindra added so far unbeaten 219 runs for the 3rd wicket. Both batters would be looking to score big runs putting pressure on the inexperienced South African batting order.
Kane Williamson equals Joe Root’s centuries in Test matches
Williamson equals the record of Joe Root with 30 centuries each. Williamson has been a consistent performer for New Zealand in test matches. He showed his class with a brilliant century in the first Test match against Bangladesh at Chattorgam in 2023.
Joe Root also has a chance to score a century in the 2nd innings of the 2nd Test match against India at Vizag.
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