NEW DELHI:
Kane Williamson
notched up his second century of the match on day three of the first Test on Tuesday, guiding
New Zealand
to a commanding position against an understrength
South Africa
at Mount Maunganui.
Williamson's rapid 109, along with valuable contributions from other batsmen, propelled New Zealand to 179/4 in their second innings by stumps, extending their overall lead to 528 runs.
SCORECARD: New Zealand vs West Indies, 1st Test
Daryl Mitchell (11*) and Tom Blundell (5*) were at the crease, with the Black Caps set to declare early on Wednesday.
The Proteas, fielding a depleted side, had been dismissed for 162 in response to New Zealand's first-innings total of 511.
Despite having the option to enforce the follow-on, New Zealand chose to bat again, allowing Williamson to register his 31st Test century, marking the first time he achieved a century in both innings of the same match.
Williamson's aggressive innings, featuring 12 fours and a six, set the tone for New Zealand's declaration intentions. He was eventually stumped off the bowling of Proteas captain Neil Brand.
The former New Zealand skipper had also survived a dropped catch in the outfield, courtesy of Edward Moore, when he was on 61.
Opener Tom Latham fell early, but a partnership of 92 was established between Williamson and Devon Conway (29) before the latter departed. Rachin Ravindra (12) followed suit, caught off the spin bowling of Brand, who had claimed six wickets in the first innings.
In South Africa's first innings, the frailty of their batting lineup was exposed as they lost their last six wickets for 82 runs.
Keegan Petersen
top-scored with 45, while Matt Henry (3-31) and Mitchell Santner (3-34) were among the wicket-takers for New Zealand.
New Zealand look set to declare with a formidable target on a deteriorating Bay Oval pitch, leaving South Africa with a challenging task in the remaining days of the Test.
(With inputs from AFP)
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