New Zealand's talismanic batter Kane Williamson achieved another milestone in his illustrious Test career during Day 4 of the ongoing second Test against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Friday, February 16.
Williamson became the fastest player to register 32 centuries in the history of Test Cricket. The 33-year-old achieved this milestone in his 172nd Test innings of his career, surpassing Australian star batter Steve Smith who did it in his 174th Test innings during the second Test of the Ashes Series at Lord's in June 2023.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting and Ex-batting icon Sachin Tendulkar took 176th and 179th innings, respectively to reach 32 centuries in Test Cricket.
Kane Williamson reached his century in the 74th over of New Zealand's 267-run chase. He hit the ball towards the mid-wicket off South African pacer Shaun von Berg to complete his historic feat.
Kane Williamson registered his 19th Test Century at home, most by any New Zealand in the format. The 33-year-old equalled former South Africa all-rounder Jacques Kallis's record of six centuries in the Test series between New Zealand and South Africa.
Williamson has joint-most centuries alongside Steve Smith among active cricketers in Test Cricket. England star batter is currently second with 30 centuries, followed by Team India's talismanic batter Virat Kohli with 29 centuries on the chart.
Kane Williamson's century propel New Zealand to a historic Test series whitewash against SA
Kane Williamson emerged as star batter for New Zealand in a seven-wicket win over visiting South Africa team in Hamilton on Friday.
After being bundled out for 235 in the second innings, South Africa set a 267-run target for Kiwis to chase. New Zealand were 40/1 at the end of Day 3 and resumed their innings with Tom Latham batting on 21.
Latham walked out to bat with Kane Williamson on Day 4. However, New Zealand lost an early wicket in Tom Latham for 30 in the first session of the day, dismissed by Dane Piedt at 53/2. Thereafter, Williamson was joined by Rachin Ravindra in the middle to carry on hosts' run-chase.
Williamson and Rachin looked formidable as they shared a 64-run partnership for the third wicket until the latter was dismissed for 20 by Piedt at 117/3.
Then, Kane Williamson (133*) and Will Young (60*) frustrated South Africa bowlers as they continued to build a good partnership and took the team through the finishing. The pair shared an unbeaten 150-run partnership to help New Zealand chase a 267-run target as well as the first Test series win against South Africa in 92 years.
For South Africa, Dane Piedt took all three wickets of New Zealand in the second innings.
