adminAUCKLAND. — Kane Williamson made a welcome return to the New Zealand side with an elegant century to set up a four-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the fourth one-day international cricket yesterday.
Backed by lusty hitting from Corey Anderson and Luke Ronchi, New Zealand overtook Sri Lanka’s 276 with 11 balls to spare and move 2-1 ahead in the seven-match series.
In a tense finish, New Zealand needed 47 off 36 balls when the 24-year-old Williamson was removed for 103, his fifth ODI century.
Anderson was run out for 47 with New Zealand needing 32 runs with 26 balls left.
Up stepped Luke Ronchi to blast a rapid 32 including three sixes and Daniel Vettori hit a four as New Zealand finished with a flourish.
After losing the early wickets of Brendon McCullum, Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor cheaply, an unflustered Williamson led the rescue mission, first in partnership with Grant Elliott and then with Anderson.
He brought up his century with a steady accumulation of singles, only reaching the boundary seven times with six fours and a six.
But having attained the milestone he was bowled by Thisara Perera and Anderson vacated the field soon after. — AFP.
Online Reporter