WATCH: Kane Williamson scores 72-ball ton in Lahore against South Africa

Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson continued his blazing form with the bat with a 72-ball ton on Monday. The 34-year-old’s efforts puts New Zealand into the finals of the Tri-series which also features hosts Pakistan. Chasing 305 runs to win, the Kiwis coasted to an easy win at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 

Chasing 305 runs to win, New Zealand saw Will Young depart early for 19 runs. The Kiwi opener scored his runs off 31 balls before being dismissed by Eathan Bosch. Openers Devon Conway and Will Young added 50 for the first wicket in just under 10 overs. Kane Williamson and Conway then added 187 runs for the second wicket in 154 balls. 

Kane Williamson gets to his 14th ODI century off 72 balls! 💯#3Nations1Trophy | #NZvSApic.twitter.com/e90S4QNieI

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 10, 2025

Junior Dala got the key wicket of Conway for 97 which came off 107 balls. The left-handed batter hit nine fours and a six in his knock. Senuran Muthusamy got the Proteas back into the game with successive wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham for 10 and zero respectively. 

New Zealand seal finals spot with easy win 

Kane Williamson began well as he scored runs at brisk pace and got to his fifty off just 44 balls. The former Kiwi skipper didn’t let the intensity die down as he ran hard between the wickets and also scored boundaries at regular intervals. Williamson eventually got to his ton with a single off Junior Dala in the second ball of the 34th over. 

Williamson’ ton came off just 72 balls which included 11 boundaries and two sixes. The Kiwis romped home to easy win in the 49th over with six wickets in hand. Glenn Phillips was not out on 28 while Williamson was unbeaten on 133 off 113 balls. 

Earlier in the day Matthew Breetzke scored 150 off 148 balls on his ODI debut for South Africa. Wiaan Mulder scored 64 off 60 balls with five fours and a six to help South Africa reach 304 runs. Matt Henry and William O Rourke were the best bowler for the Kiwis with two wickets each. The winners in the game between Pakistan and South Africa will meet New Zealand in the finals.