New Zealand vs South Africa, ODI Tri Series, Highlights: Kane Williamson Stars As New Zealand Enter Final

Right then, that is it from this ODI where New Zealand booked their place in the final. Next up in the Tri-Nation series is a battle between the hosts, Pakistan and South Africa, on 12th February, Wednesday. The winner of that will face the Blackcaps in the final. That will begin at 2.30 pm IST (9 am GMT), but as you know, you can always join us early for all the build-up to the match. Until then, cheers and goodbye!

Mitchell Santner, the victorious skipper of New Zealand says that the main thing is a lot of players are in form and putting their hands up and doing the job for the team. Says that different players are performing at different parts and everyone is stepping up. Mentions that they are looking forward to Karachi and getting some rest before they go again. Says that they pride themselves on getting through the middle overs and striking within them. It is something that's under their control, and they pride themselves in doing that for the team. Adds that Devon Conway's knock was outstanding and they are looking forward to the final, concluded.

Temba Bavuma, the captain of South Africa says that there were a few positives from the game like Matthew Breetzke scoring 150 on debut and a couple of bowlers did well as well. Adds that they probably did not score enough runs. Mentions that it was tricky facing the new ball early on, but it became easier as the game went deep. Says that as individuals they need to look at themselves and up their game, and they will have a few conversations with the Champions Trophy coming up shortly. Ends by praising Breetzke for his knock and says that he is one of those guys who can play all three formats, and even though he has not doneas  well as he would like to in other formats, this might just be the start of great things for him.

Kane Williamson is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant ton. He says that conditions were different from the last game. South Africa did well to get to 300 and Matthew Breetzke was amazing. Mentions that they had to dig in hard to get to the total and now go on to rest for a bit. Adds that as a team they are getting nice and clear about the things that they want to do up to the Champions Trophy. So a lot of cricket coming up. Adds that it is great to be out there and building partnerships is key. Says that Devon Conway is key up top and getting good partnerships and a good team effort is what we look to do all the time, he concluded!

Presentation Time...

South Africa’s bowling was a tale of missed chances and what-ifs! Had they grabbed those opportunities, the game could have taken a different turn. While they had no answers to the Conway-Williamson masterclass, they fought back late, dragging the chase into the 49th over. Senuran Muthusamy’s double strike brought brief hope, with Eathan Bosch and Junior Dala chipping in, but in the end, they just didn’t have enough runs to defend against a red-hot Kiwi batting unit!

Earlier in the game, South Africa, missing several first-team players, still put up a fighting total, thanks to a record-breaking debut ton from Matthew Breetzke! His sensational 150 shattered Desmond Haynes’ long-standing record for the highest ODI score on debut. Jason Smith played the perfect foil, while Wiaan Mulder’s explosive fifty provided the finishing touches. For the Kiwis, Matt Henry and Will O’Rourke struck twice each, with Michael Bracewell chipping in, but it was Breetzke’s brilliance that stole the show early on!

The Kiwis set the tone early with a solid Powerplay, but after Will Young’s dismissal, it was the Williamson-Conway show! Their masterful 187-run stand - the highest for any Blackcaps wicket against South Africa  - completely took the game away. Williamson’s classy ton and Conway’s heartbreaking 97 had the chase in cruise control. A few late wickets added drama, but Phillips’ fireworks and Williamson’s unbeaten 133 sealed the deal in style, fittingly hitting the winning runs!

New Zealand storms into the Tri-Nation Series final with a record-breaking chase against South Africa, their highest ever against the Proteas in ODIs! A statement win that cements their status as serious Champions Trophy contenders. Meanwhile, South Africa’s young guns showed glimpses of brilliance but couldn’t seize the key moments.

FOUR! Kane Williamson finishes things off in style! Senuran Muthusamy tosses it up, full and on off. Williamson comes down the track and thumps it down the ground to the long off fence for a boundary. NEW ZEALAND WIN BY 6 WICKETS!

SCORES LEVEL! Short and around off, Glenn Phillips punches it through covers for one.

Floated, full and on middle, Glenn Phillips blocks it down the pitch.

Flatter, full and angling in, Glenn Phillips misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

Flatter, short and on middle, turns in, Glenn Phillips punches it to long off for a single. New Zealand just two runs away from the win.

Full and on the leg stump. Glenn Phillips lunges forward to defend.

Floated up on off, spins in. Glenn Phillips flicks it towards mid-wicket.

Wrong'un on off. Glenn Phillips punches it towards deep backward point for a brace. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two batters.

Full and onto the pads. Kane Williamson waits for it to flick it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Floated up on middle. Kane Williamson pushes it towards mid on.

Fired in on off. Glenn Phillips slaps it towards extra cover.