Ice-Cool Williamson Pilots New Zealand To The Top

Kiwis’ exciting four-wicket win puts South Africa on the brink of elimination

- Shayan Acharya

New Zealand rode on Kane Williamson’s unbeaten century to clinch a thrilling four-wicket victory against South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

In a game reduced to 49 overs-a-side, New Zealand restricted the Proteas to 241 for six. The Kiwis lost opener Colin Munro early before Martin Guptill and Williamson forged a 60-run stand. Guptill was hit-wicket offa delivery from Andile Phehlukwayo.

Chris Morris then removed Ross Taylor and Tom Latham in quick succession. With the side in trouble at 80 for four, Williamson was involved in two crucial partnerships — 37 with Jimmy Neesham (23) and 91 with Colin de Grandhomme (60, 47b, 5x4, 2x6).

Getting it wrong

David Miller dropped de Grandhomme off Imran Tahir in the 37th over and a few balls later, Williamson edged to the ’keeper — later confirmed by replays. Though a confident Tahir appealed, his teammates didn’t back him.