NZ win SA Test series for first time

AFP, Hamilton :
New Zealand (NZ) won a Test series against South Africa (SA) for the first time with Kane Williamson hitting an unbeaten century on Friday to steer them to a seven-wicket victory in the second Test.

Williamson’s unbeaten 133 was at the heart of their 269-3 in the fourth innings of a tight Test in Hamilton to complete a 2-0 series win over the understrength tourists.

The Black Caps hadn’t beaten the Proteas in 17 previous Test series dating back to 1931, having lost 13 and drawn four.

The 33-year-old Williamson was methodical throughout a 260-ball stay, putting on an unbroken stand of 152 with Will Young, who scored 60 not out, as New Zealand reached their target of 267 late on day four.

The in-form Williamson scored his seventh century in his last seven Tests, which included twin tons in the 281-run first Test victory at Mount Maunganui.

His 32 centuries have come from 172 innings, surpassing Australia’s Steve Smith (174 innings) as the fastest player in Test history to reach that milestone.

Williamson batted through the day after New Zealand resumed at 40-1.

The 33-year-old adopted a disciplined approach on a tricky pitch but was always prepared to punish loose deliveries, scoring 12 fours and two sixes.

“It was very much a patience game and both teams were aware of that,” Williamson said.