New Zealand have an unassailable 2-0 lead going into the third and final match of the series. PHOTO: AFP
Williamson hit 145 not out to set up a 27-run win for New Zealand in the second One-Day International at the Diamond Oval.
It gave the tourists a winning 2-0 lead in the three-match series and was a major turnaround for a team who were thrashed in both Test matches.
“It is one of the finest one-day series wins in New Zealand’s history,” said McCullum. “It is incredibly satisfying to finish off the tour this way.”
McCullum said Williamson’s innings was ‘one of the best we have seen from a New Zealander’.
Despite Williamson’s heroics, South Africa were on course for victory until two run-outs in successive overs derailed their run chase. There were a total of five run-outs as the hosts limped to 252 all out in their reply.
South Africa’s stand-in captain Faf du Plessis gave his own judgment regarding his team’s performance.
“We didn’t play well in the end,” said Du Plessis. “From 167 for one you should win the game. The batting unit must take responsibility. But it’s a young team and hopefully we can learn from this.”
Meanwhile, Dean Elgar has replaced the injured Hashim Amla for the third ODI against New Zealand. Amla had also missed the second match of the series in Kimberley due to a quad-muscle strain.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 24th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ