Williamson ton drives NZ to first Test series win over South Africa

South Africa, severely depleted with most of its top players back home playing the SA20 tournament, battled hard to even up the series at 1-1 but was unable to make sufficient inroads into the home batting order.

New Zealand’s Kane Williamson celebrates his century. | Photo Credit: AFP

Kane Williamson hit an unbeaten century as New Zealand chased down a victory target of 267 to beat South Africa by seven wickets on the fourth day of the second Test on Friday and clinch a first ever series win over the Proteas.

South Africa, severely depleted with most of its top players back home playing the SA20 tournament, battled hard to even up the series at 1-1 but was unable to make sufficient inroads into the home batting order.

Williamson’s patient 133, his 32nd test century, was the mainstay of the Black Caps innings and a partnership of 152 with Will Young (60 not out) got them over the line in what was a record fourth-innings run chase in a test at Seddon Park.

New Zealand moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings with their first-test win in Mount Maunganui and next host reigning champions Australia in a two-match series starting in Wellington on Feb. 29.