Kane Williamson’s unbeaten century leads New Zealand to 6-wicket win over South Africa in ODI tri-series

New Zealand continued their impressive form in the ODI Tri-Series 2025, securing a six-wicket victory over South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday. Kane Williamson played a captain’s knock, smashing an unbeaten 133 off 113 balls, guiding the Kiwis to the top of the standings with four points and a net run rate of +0.906.

A match winning knock! With an unbeaten 133, his 14th ODI century, the Player of the Match – Kane Williamson. Scorecard | https://t.co/qWQRpLC2D2 📲 #3Nations1Trophy pic.twitter.com/SPklYhv3ae

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) February 10, 2025

Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner saw his decision backfire initially, as South Africa built a strong total of 304/6 in 50 overs.

The Proteas got off to a steady start with Matthew Breetzke (150 off 148 balls, 11 fours, 5 sixes) playing a stunning knock on debut. He formed a 37-run opening partnership with Temba Bavuma (20 off 23 balls, 3 fours) before Bavuma was dismissed by William O’Rourke in the 8th over.

Following Bavuma’s departure, Jason Smith (41 off 51 balls, 1 four, 2 sixes) joined Breetzke and stitched a crucial 93-run stand. However, Smith was run out in the 25th over, slowing South Africa’s momentum.

Kyle Verreynne (1 off 4 balls) failed to make an impact, losing his wicket to Michael Bracewell in the 27th over. The innings was later revived by Wiaan Mulder (64 off 60 balls, 5 fours, 1 six), who played a vital role in the death overs.

New Zealand’s bowling attack was led by Matt Henry (2/53) and William O’Rourke (2/49), while Bracewell picked up one wicket in his 10-over spell.

Chasing 305, New Zealand got off to a solid start with Will Young (19 off 31 balls, 2 fours) and Devon Conway (97 off 107 balls, 9 fours, 1 six) forming a 50-run opening stand. However, Eathan Bosch provided the first breakthrough for South Africa, dismissing Young in the 10th over.

Kane Williamson then took charge, producing a magnificent unbeaten 133-run knock, featuring 13 fours and 2 sixes. He forged a match-defining 187-run partnership with Conway, putting New Zealand in complete control.

Conway missed out on a century, falling to Junior Dala in the 36th over, but by then, the Kiwis were already in a commanding position. Senuran Muthusamy tried to create some pressure by dismissing Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham in the 39th over, but Williamson remained composed.

Glenn Phillips (28 off 32 balls, 1 four, 1 six)* supported his captain in the final stretch as New Zealand successfully chased down the target in 49 overs, securing a comfortable win.

The Proteas’ bowling attack lacked penetration, failing to pick up wickets regularly. Senuran Muthusamy (2/51) was the most successful bowler, while Eathan Bosch (1/47) and Junior Dala (1/55) chipped in with one wicket each. However, their efforts weren’t enough to contain a dominant Kiwi batting lineup.

For his match-winning century, Williamson was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’, further cementing his reputation as one of the best in the ODI format.

With this victory, New Zealand now leads the ODI Tri-Series standings, reinforcing their position as strong contenders for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. South Africa, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly as they face Pakistan in their next match on Wednesday in a must-win clash.

Brief score:

• South Africa 304/6 (Matthew Breetzke 150, Wiaan Mulder 64, Jason Smith 41; Matt Henry 2/59)
• New Zealand 308/4 (Kane Williamson 133*, Devon Conway 97, Glenn Phillips 28; Senuran Muthusamy 2/50).