Imperious Kane Williamson guides Blacks Caps to first Test series win over Proteas

The win earned the Black Caps a clean sweep of the two-Test series and a first-ever Test series win over their southern hemisphere rivals. 

The hosts began the fourth day at Seddon Park on 40/1 chasing 266 for victory. Six overs in, spinner Dane Piedt tossed one up outside off stump and Tom Latham spooned it straight to cover, cuing passionate celebrations from captain Neil Brand and his men. There was belief. If the Proteas could pull the thorn out of their side that was Williamson, an unlikely win became possible.

But it was not to be for the inexperienced visitors.

Rachin Ravindra strode to the crease and partnered well with Williamson. The pair took the Black Caps past Lunch and amassed 64 hard-earned runs before Piedt struck again. Ravindra's eyes lit up for a full ball drifting into off-stump, but all he could do was drive it straight into the waiting hands of Brand fielding at cover. At 117/3, it was a much-needed wicket.

Williamson remained resolute, keeping out the good balls from the accurate Dane Paterson and the ever-threatening Piedt. The scoring rate was low, but plod away they did, reaching 173/3 at Tea, leaving 94 runs for the final session.

Williamson then raised his but for the third time in the short series, recording his 32nd Test ton. A patient Will Young followed with his milestone, a 50 off 134 balls, as New Zealand chased the highest fourth innings total in Hamilton without trouble. 

For his match figures of 9/93, debutant William O'Rourke was named Player of the Match.

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