 "Kane Williamson broke a notable record of Virat Kohli during New Zealand's tri-series match against South Africa on Monday. Images: AP")
New Zealand’s Kane Williamson slammed an unbeaten century on Monday to guide his team to a six-wicket win over South Africa in the second match of the tri-series involving Pakistan in Karachi. During his knock, Williamson broke a notable Virat Kohli record as he became the second-fastest batter to score 7000 ODI runs.
Williamson reached the milestone in 159 innings, whereas the former India skipper had taken 161 innings to do so. Former South Africa batter Hashim Amla continues to lead that list, having got to the landmark in 150 innings.
Breetzke sets world record for SA
On Monday, New Zealand had won the toss and asked South Africa to bat first. The Proteas rode on a knock of 150 from Matthew Breetzke and a half-century from Wiaan Mulder to post 304/6 on the board. Breetzke is first batter to hit 150 on debut in men’s ODIs.
The Black Caps lost opener Will Young (19) just before the end of the first powerplay in their chase, but Devon Conway (97) and Kane Williamson (133*) forged a 187-run partnership for the second wicket to set the platform for Kiwis’ win.
Williamson reached his century in 72 balls, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. The 34-year-old also equalled former South Africa batter AB de Villiers in the list for most centuries in international cricket. This was Williamson’s 47th international century, the same as de Villiers, with the duo in joint 14th place. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar continues to lead the list with a whopping 100 centuries in international cricket.
Coming back to New Zealand’s match against South Africa, the Kiwis lost Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell (10) and Tom Latham (0) in quick succession between the 36th and 39th overs. New Zealand were 251/4 after Latham was dismissed, but Williamson and Glenn Phillips (28*) ensured that they crossed the finish line with six wickets and 10 balls to spare.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsNew Zealand qualified for Friday’s tri-series final with two wins in as many matches (Four points), having beaten hosts Pakistan by 78 runs in the tournament opener on Saturday.
Fastest batters to 7000 ODI runs
1. Hashim Amla (South Africa): 150 innings
2. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 159 innings
3. Virat Kohli (India): 161 innings
4. AB de Villiers (South Africa): 166 innings
5. Sourav Ganguly (India): 174 innings
6. Rohit Sharma (India): 181 innings
7. Brian Lara (West Indies): 183 innings
8. Martin Guptill (New Zealand): 186 innings
9. Desmond Haynes (West Indies): 187 innings
10. Jacques Kallis (South Africa): 188 innings