New Zealand’s sweet victory

South African soil.
New Zealand, asked to bat first by South African captain Faf du Plessis, reached 279 for eight in their 50 overs after Williamson’s brilliant 136-ball innings.

South Africa looked on course for victory as they reached 165 for one after 30 overs, but a spectacular collapse fuelled by five run-outs caused them to be dismissed for 252, handing the Black Caps an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. Williamson was named man-of-the-match and Kyle Mills was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers with figures of two for 28.

New Zealand were struggling at 32 for two in the 13th over after BJ Watling (12) became Morne Morkel’s 100th ODI victim.

The wicket brought Grant Elliott to the crease and his 128-ball stand of 127 with Williamson gave the visitors great impetus.

Despite a middle-order collapse following Elliott’s dismissal for 48, the 22-year-old Williamson controlled his innings superbly and, aided by Nathan McCullum (19) and Mills (15 not out), helped his side to a competitive total.

The South African reply began steadily with openers Quinton de Kock (25) and Graeme Smith (66) taking 17 from the eighth over from McCullum. — SuperCricket.