NEW DELHI: Star batter Kane Williamson struck a magnificent century to power New Zealand into the tri-series final with a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore on Monday. His unbeaten 133 overshadowed debutant Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking 150, guiding the Black Caps to a comfortable chase at Gaddafi Stadium.
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The tri-series, a preparatory tournament for the upcoming eight-nation Champions Trophy — set to begin on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE — now sees New Zealand assured of a spot in the final.
The second finalist will be determined when Pakistan face South Africa on Wednesday in Karachi, with the summit clash scheduled for Friday at the same venue.
Williamson, who notched his first ODI century in nearly five years, formed a match-winning 187-run partnership with opener Devon Conway, who fell agonisingly short of a century, scoring 97.
The duo laid a solid foundation after Will Young (19) fell early, ensuring New Zealand remained on track despite the dismissals of Daryl Mitchell (10) and Tom Latham (0).
The New Zealand skipper, exuding complete confidence, sealed the chase with a boundary in the 49th over, ensuring his side secured their second consecutive win in the tournament.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s Matthew Breetzke scripted history with a record-breaking 150 on debut, the highest by any batter in his maiden ODI. His knock surpassed the previous record of 148 set by Desmond Haynes (West Indies) in 1978 against Australia.
Breetzke’s superb 148-ball innings featured 11 fours and five sixes, forming crucial partnerships — 37 runs with Temba Bavuma (20) and 93 with Jason Smith (41) — as South Africa posted a competitive 304-6.
However, their bowlers struggled to contain a determined New Zealand batting unit.
South Africa was forced to field four debutants due to the absence of key players, either engaged in a T20 league back home or recovering from injuries.
New Zealand, on the other hand, made a crucial change — bringing in Devon Conway to replace Rachin Ravindra, who was ruled out after sustaining an injury during their 78-run victory over Pakistan on Saturday.
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