NZ vs SL: Kane Williamson’s century ends Sri Lanka’s race to WTC Final
Courtesy of a scintillating ton by Kane Williamson, New Zealand registered a win by two wickets against Sri Lanka in the first Test of the series. Leading into the final day of the first Test, New Zealand required 257 runs to win at Hagley, Oval. Initially, the rain gods threatened to curtail Sri Lanka’s chances of a result and their place in the WTC Final.
India qualify for WTC Final 2023
Soon after the showers stopped and the umpire called the teams to take the field. The Lankan Lions struck the first blow of the day as they got the vital scalp of Tom Latham. However, Kane Williamson played a fine knock and continued to steer the side to earn a potential win.
Furthermore, he was aided by Nicholls as the duo raised a 40-run partnership before Prabath Jayasuriya struck him. What followed was sheer dominance with the bat from Williamson and Daryl Mitchell, who joined the crease down the order.
Watch the final ball drama:
The two batters swiftly hit the ground running and got the big runs with ease. Considering that they needed to chase the total in a limited number overs of the final day, the duo were adamant about snatching the game from the Lankan Lions.
With Williamson contributing 55 runs and Mitchell getting 81, the duo raised a match defining partnership. Just when it seemed like the BlackCaps had control of the contest, Asitha Fernando got two major breakthroughs. He scalped Mitchell for 81 runs followed by Tom Blundell for three runs.
With 36 runs required of the last five overs, former skipper Williamson took the onus on himself. He helped his side to get close to the target with a majestic century (121* off 194 balls). As the contest came right down to the wire, the Kiwis required eight off the last over.
While Williamson and Henry got the single off the first two balls, New Zealand tried to steal a quick double but failed in the process and Matt Henry got run-out. Williamson slapped one right in between the gap off fourth ball off Asitha Fernando for four runs. What ensued was drama off the final two balls despite one run required. Fernando bowled the bouncer off the penultimate delivery as the excitement further increased for the final ball.
Anticipating another bouncer off the last ball, Williamson improvised and quickly stole a single but the Lankan Lions began celebrating as there was a direct hit at the non-strikers end and the decision was taken to the third umpire. However, upon review, Williamson was deemed not-out as a result of which New Zealand won the contest eventually putting India through the finals of the WTC.
