With a 2-0 victory in the Test series, New Zealand easily defeated the young South African team. Kane Williamson once again showed his genius in the second Test match, which was played in Hamilton. With an incredible century, he helped New Zealand win. Williamson’s outstanding effort went into the record books in addition to securing the victory for the Kiwis. He surpassed Australian great Steve Smith’s previous record to become the fastest player to reach 32 Test hundreds.
On a difficult surface at Seddon Park in Hamilton, New Zealand had a formidable goal of 267 runs, and Williamson spearheaded the attack by testing the resolve of the South African bowlers. Williamson’s brilliant inning turned the tide back in favor of the home team, despite the visiting team’s early advantage after gaining a lead in the first inning.
32nd Test century for Kane Williamson
Williamson successfully led New Zealand’s chase on Day 4 of the second Test after reaching his century in 203 balls. His innings ultimately determined the outcome for New Zealand.
Williamson has been in outstanding form throughout the series, and this century was his third in the previous four innings. He became just the fifth batsman from New Zealand to score twin hundreds in a Test match when he struck scores of 118 and 109 in the opening Test, setting the tone.
Williamson showed courage and commitment by refusing to give up his wicket cheaply in the face of a fierce onslaught from the South African bowling attack. His tenacious 43 in the opening over set the stage for his magnificent century in the last over.
His century solidified his status as one of the best batters in contemporary cricket, propelling him into the exclusive group of players with 32 Test hundreds. Williamson completed the mark in just 172 innings, making him the fastest batsman to reach 32 Test hundreds. Steve Smith, who amassed 32 hundreds in 174 innings, previously held the record.
List of fastest players to reach 32 Test centuries
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Kane Williamson, 172 innings
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Steve Smith, 174 innings
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Ricky Ponting, 176 innings
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Sachin Tendulkar, 179 innings
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Younis Khan – 183 innings