ICC Cricket World Cup Williamson’s century leads NZ to last-over win

Skipper Kane Williamson struck and unbeaten century as New Zealand edged-out South Africa by four wickets in their ICC Cricket World Cup fixture played at Edgbaston, Birmingham yesterday.

After restricting their opponents to 241 for six in 49 overs, New Zealand went on to reach their target with just three deliveries to spare.

Williamson hoisted one six and stroked nine boundaries during his 138-ball innings and was also associated in a sixth-wicket stand of 91 runs with Colin de Grandhomme who hammered 60 from 47 balls inclusive of two sixes and five boundaries.  

However, Martin Guptill and Captain Kane Williamson were coping well with the Proteas’ attack and had moved to 72 for one with the minimum of fuss after the early loss of Colin Munro.

But Guptill, when on 35, pulled Andile Phehlukwayo and ended up swivelling, only to lose his balance and clip his leg stump with his foot.

Two overs later New Zealand slipped to 74 for three when Ross Taylor tickled a Chris Morris leg-side delivery and Quinton de Kock took the catch behind the stumps.Tom Latham was dismissed for a single as New Zealand slumped to 80 for four, piling the pressure on Skipper and star batsman Williamson to go on and make a sizeable score. 

Earlier, Rassie van der Dussen gave South Africa something to bowl at as the Proteas struggled to reach 241 for six against some tight bowling from New Zealand.After a soggy outfield delayed the start at and reduced the match to 49 overs per side, Black Caps Captain Kane Williamson won the toss and chose to field, hoping to take advantage of the bowler-friendly conditions.

 Hashim Amla made a sluggish 55 off 83 balls but Van der Dussen’s 67 not out came at better than a run-a-ball.

New Zealand, the 2015 losing finalists were on top early when Trent Boult demolished Quinton de Kock’s stumps, sending him back to the pavilion for just five. Amla and Skipper Francois du Plessis helped the Proteas recover to 59 for one in the 14th over. 

AFP -