Kane Williamson showcased his prowess yet again, notching his second century in the match, consolidating New Zealand’s stronghold over the first Test against a weakened South African side.
The Kiwi run-machine, Williamson, amassed a brisk 109 runs, steering the home team to 179-4 in their second innings at Mount Maunganui, bolstering their lead to an impressive 528 runs by day’s end.
With Daryl Mitchell batting on 11 and Tom Blundell on five, New Zealand eyes an early declaration on Wednesday, setting the Proteas a daunting target on a deteriorating Bay Oval pitch.
Despite South Africa’s depleted lineup, they were bowled out for 162 just before tea, responding to New Zealand’s mammoth first innings total of 511.
Skipping the follow-on, Williamson, the world’s top-ranked batsman, capitalized on the opportunity to notch his 31st Test century, a rare feat of scoring twin centuries in a single match.
Playing aggressively, Williamson hammered 12 fours and a six in his 132-ball innings before being stumped off the bowling of Proteas captain Neil Brand.
His innings wasn’t without luck, surviving a dropped catch by Edward Moore, reminiscent of his fortune in the first innings.
Devon Conway’s departure for 29 and Tom Latham’s early fall set the stage for Williamson’s onslaught, which was supported by Ravindra’s brief stay at the crease.
South Africa’s batting frailty was evident as they collapsed to 82 runs for their last six wickets on Tuesday.
Keegan Petersen showed resilience with a top score of 45, but his efforts couldn’t mask the vulnerability of the Proteas’ batting lineup.
As the day progressed, South Africa’s tail crumbled swiftly, with Matt Henry and Mitchell Santner capitalizing on favorable bowling conditions to wrap up the innings.
