NZ v SA, 3rd Test, Day Three Review: Skipper Kane Williamson Helps New Zealand Secure Lead

Mar 27, 2017 at 12:50 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
NZ v SA, 3rd Test, Day Three Review: Skipper Kane Williamson Helps New Zealand Secure Lead

Skipper Kane Williamson, with the help of his memorable century, propelled New Zealand to gain a lead over South Africa’s first innings total of 314 at stumps on Day three of the 3rd Test. The hosts were led by Williamson in an exemplary style and saw through the challenge put forward by South African fast bowlers to finish with a 7 runs lead.

The day’s play had a delayed start after wet outfield made it impossible to start on the scheduled 9.30 am start. It rained overnight and there was a drizzle in the morning as well. After a couple inspection by the umpires, a mid-day start was declared and the opening session finally took off at 12 pm, an hour and a half late.

Openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval, who put up an impressive show in the last session yesterday, failed to flourish as New Zealand went to Lunch with the loss of Latham. The pitch remained dry and slightly unhelpful to the bowler. But the Proteas fast bowler showed capability of generating reverse swing to keep a check on the opening duo.

Morne Morkel’s change of bowling angle got him Latham’s wicket three overs into the fresh session. Latham quickly reached his 13th Test fifty with a boundary off Morkel only to lose his wicket to the same bowler an over later. After making him defend a couple of deliveries, Morkel used a wider angle to force Latham nick one behind to wicketkeeper De Kock. The wicket also helped the tall fast bowler reached the special 250 Test wicket mark.

While New Zealand lost a well-set batsman, Raval and Williamson made sure that the team didn’t lose control in the opening session. The following session was also dominated by the pair who batted with thorough command, ensuring New Zealand played without any loss till the end of the tea.

Both the individual stayed together for 58 overs and added 190 runs to leave the visiting side frustrated and helpless. Williamson batted with almost the double strike rate compared to Raval. Therefore, the skipper raced to his century ahead of his opening batsmen who was well set at the time he walked in to bat.

He notched up two prestigious records by becoming the fastest to the 5000 runs mark and equalling the most number of centuries by a Blackcaps batsmen. Both the records were previously held by the late Martin Crowe.

He went past the 5000 runs mark in the 64th over when the right-hander whacked a short delivery for a powerful six over the square leg area. Later, in the eventful 79th over, Williamson reached his century with a strong pull shot which raced away to the boundary. The triple figure mark helped him edge past Crowe’s benchmark of 17. The same over also saw Raval register his highest Test score, overtaking his previous best of 80.

It was only in the final hour of the last session when South Africa was able to get some moments to celebrate.  The thriving stand between Raval and Williamson was finally halted in the 90th over after De Kock pulled off a stunning catch to dismiss the left-hander and make his return at the score of 88, ending his pursuit of scoring his made Test century.

Kagiso Rabada then grabbed back to back strikes in successive overs to remove Neil Broom and Henry Nicholls for insignificant scores and bring down the batting side four wickets down. If the rains don’t intervene, tomorrow’s play will play a crucial role in deciding who will go on to win the match. The Kiwis still have Williamson, who ended the day just two runs short of his 150 runs mark and will hope Mitchell Santner to bat for as long as possible with his skipper.

Related Article
Cricket Confirmed As One Of Five New Sports In Olympics At Los Angeles In 2028
Cricket Confirmed As One Of Five New Sports In Olympics At Los Angeles In 2028

Oct 16, 2023, 2:22 PM


Mumbai’s “Junior Steyn” Karan Tiwari Commits Suicide
Mumbai’s “Junior Steyn” Karan Tiwari Commits Suicide

Aug 12, 2020, 6:02 PM


Rohit Sharma Talks How Cricket Will Be Changed In COVID-19 Pandemic
Rohit Sharma Talks How Cricket Will Be Changed In COVID-19 Pandemic

Aug 3, 2020, 1:41 AM


Five Indian Cricketers Who Invested In Startups!
Five Indian Cricketers Who Invested In Startups!

Aug 2, 2020, 12:00 PM


Five Cricketers And Their Role In Boxing
Five Cricketers And Their Role In Boxing

Aug 2, 2020, 11:00 AM


When Cricketers Left The Ground Due To Nature’s Call
When Cricketers Left The Ground Due To Nature’s Call

Jul 31, 2020, 6:00 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner