Williamson powers New Zealand home, Breetzke’s record 150 in vain
2025.02.10
Kane Williamson, Devon Conway guided New Zealand to a comprehensive victory over South Africa.
In the second ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series, New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets in a brilliant display of strategic chasemanship, surpassing a target of 305 with eight balls remaining.
The chase was held up by Kane Williamson’s outstanding century, which won him Player of the Match and helped the Black Caps to a decisive victory.
In order to support his pace-heavy attack on a Gaddafi pitch that was conducive to batting, Mitchell Santner, the captain of New Zealand, decided to bowl first. Encouraged by a rearranged lineup, South Africa sought to take advantage of the circumstances.
Matthew Breetzke’s career-defining 150 off 148 balls was a major factor in the Proteas’ tough 304/6. With a knock that combined aggression and control, the 26-year-old dominated the Kiwi bowlers, hitting 11 fours and five sixes. Wiaan Mulder (64 off 60) provided him with support, and after initial stutters at 132/3, the two added 131 for the fourth wicket.
Although Matt Henry (2/59) and rookie William O’Rourke (2/72) delivered crucial blows, New Zealand’s bowlers struggled for consistency. The momentum was momentarily halted by Michael Bracewell’s frugal 1/43 in the middle overs, but Breetzke’s late surge—75 runs in the last 10 overs—saw South Africa surpass 300.
Will Young (19) and Devon Conway (97) started the chase cautiously, keeping up with Lungi Ngidi’s speed. In his first ODI since 2023, Conway displayed his signature grit by hitting nine boundaries to lead the batting. But when Kane Williamson joined him at 50/1, it was the turning point in their collaboration. The pair destroyed South Africa’s spin combination of Senuran Muthusamy (2/50) and Tabraiz Shamsi (0/62) with a 187-run partnership off 154 balls.
With 13 fours and two sixes, Williamson’s 133 not out from 113, his 15th ODI century, was a timing masterclass.
@charith Rajapaksha
