Williamson’s Century Powers New Zealand to Tri-Series Final, Outshines Breetzke’s Historic Debut
Kane Williamson delivered a captain’s masterclass, smashing an unbeaten 133 to lead New Zealand to a convincing six-wicket victory over South Africa in Lahore on Monday. With the win, the Black Caps secured their spot in the Tri-Series final, overshadowing Matthew Breetzke’s record-breaking 150 on ODI debut.
The Tri-Nation Series, featuring Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa, serves as a warm-up event for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which begins on February 19 in Pakistan and the UAE.
Williamson’s First ODI Century in Five Years Seals the Win
Chasing a formidable 305-run target, Williamson played an anchor role while Devon Conway (97) provided valuable support. The duo stitched together a 187-run stand for the second wicket, after opener Will Young (19) fell early.
Despite late hiccups, including the dismissals of Daryl Mitchell (10) and Tom Latham (0), Williamson remained calm and sealed the victory in the 49th over with a boundary.
This was Williamson’s first ODI century since 2019, a long-awaited return to form for the veteran batter.
Breetzke’s Historic Knock Not Enough for South Africa
While Williamson grabbed the headlines with his match-winning ton, the match also saw history being made by 26-year-old Matthew Breetzke, who set a new record for the highest score on ODI debut.
Breetzke’s 150 off 148 balls, laced with 11 fours and five sixes, broke the 47-year-old record set by Desmond Haynes (148 for West Indies in 1978). The young Proteas batter reached his century off 128 balls, confidently dispatching New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke to the boundary to mark the milestone.
He became only the fourth South African to score a century on ODI debut, providing a bright spark for an otherwise depleted South African squad missing several key players due to domestic T20 commitments and injuries.
New Zealand Stay Perfect, South Africa Face Must-Win Clash
With two wins in two matches, New Zealand now await their opponent in the final, which will be decided when Pakistan faces South Africa on February 12 in Karachi.
Meanwhile, South Africa, despite Breetzke’s heroics and Wiaan Mulder’s steady 64, will need to bounce back quickly to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Brief Scores
South Africa: 304/6 in 50 overs (M. Breetzke 150, W. Mulder 64; M. Henry 2-59, W. O’Rourke 2-72)
New Zealand: 308/4 in 48.4 overs (K. Williamson 133, D. Conway 97)*
Result: New Zealand won by 6 wickets
Toss: New Zealand
Next Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, February 12, Karachi
