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In a masterclass of calculated chasemanship, New Zealand clinched a commanding six-wicket victory over South Africa in the second ODI of the Pakistan Tri-Series, overhauling a target of 305 with eight balls to spare.
Kane Williamson’s sublime century anchored the pursuit, earning him the Player of the Match accolade and steering the Black Caps to a statement win.
Toss and team decisions
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner elected to bowl first, backing his pace-heavy attack on a batting-friendly Gaddafi surface. South Africa, buoyed by a reshuffled lineup, aimed to capitalize on the conditions.
South Africa’s innings: Breetzke’s career-best knock powers Proteas to 304
The Proteas posted a competitive 304/6, thanks largely to a career-defining 150 off 148 balls from opener Matthew Breetzke. The 26-year-old dominated the Kiwi bowlers, smashing 11 fours and five sixes in a knock blending aggression and control. He found support from Wiaan Mulder (64 off 60), with the pair adding 131 for the fourth wicket after early wobbles at 132/3.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled for consistency, though Matt Henry (2/59) and rookie William O’Rourke (2/72) struck timely blows. Michael Bracewell’s economical 1/43 in the middle overs briefly stemmed the flow, but Breetzke’s late acceleration – 75 runs in the final 10 overs – propelled South Africa past 300.
Also WATCH: Mitchell Santner’s fielding brilliance runs out Jason Smith in the SA vs NZ ODI | Pakistan Tri-Series 2025
New Zealand’s chase: Williamson-Conway symphony seals the deal
The chase began cautiously, with Will Young (19) and Devon Conway (97) navigating Lungi Ngidi’s pace. Conway, playing his first ODI since 2023, showcased trademark grit, anchoring the innings with nine boundaries. However, the defining partnership came when Kane Williamson joined him at 50/1. The duo orchestrated a 187-run stand off 154 balls, dismantling South Africa’s spin duo of Tabraiz Shamsi (0/62) and Senuran Muthusamy (2/50).
Williamson’s 133 not out off 113 – his 15th ODI century – was a masterclass in timing, featuring 13 fours and two sixes.
Kane Williamson gets to his 14th ODI century off 72 balls! 💯#3Nations1Trophy | #NZvSA pic.twitter.com/e90S4QNieI
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 10, 2025
His unbroken partnership with Glenn Phillips (28* off 32) ensured no late drama, sealing the win with a boundary off Muthusamy.
Just realized that Kane Williamson hasn’t been dismissed in single digits in ODIs for the last six years!(Last time dismissed in Jan 2019)
He has played 34 innings in this period due to fitness struggles, his robotic consistency often goes unnoticed by those fixated on his low… pic.twitter.com/LySncoZN7j
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) February 10, 2025
