agence france-presse
Hamilton, Dec 21: Kane Williamson (108 n o, 164b, 12×4, 1×6) added to an already glittering resume as he led New Zealand to a five-wicket victory at Hamilton Park here Monday to wrap up the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. The hosts won the series 2-0.
The New Zealand batting maestro completed his 13th Test century, and fifth of the year, as the Black Caps knocked off the 47 runs required for victory on day four of the second Test. The honour of completing the formalities went to BJ Watling with a single to get New Zealand to their 189 target but the result belonged to the 25-year-old Williamson.
Williamson was in no mood to hang around when he resumed the day on 78, taking a four off the second delivery from Dushmantha Chameera (4/68), Sri Lanka’s most effective bowler. His century came from a similar shot with a boundary through square off Chameera which also took him past Brendon McCullum’s New Zealand record of 1,164 Test runs in a calendar year.
The Kiwi batsman ended the year with easily the best average of established Test players at an incredible 90.15 with the next best, Australian Adam Voges, averaging 76.83. He set a New Zealand record of 1,172 for Test runs in a calendar year and has now scored 2,633 in all internationals this year.
In a Test where both sides struggled with short-pitched bowling, including Williamson in his four-ball first innings, his second turn with the bat was a masterclass of technique in keeping the ball on the deck.
New Zealand have now gone unbeaten in 13 home Tests, overtaking their previous best unbeaten home run of 12 set between 1987-1991.
“Tackling the short ball was the key,” said Williamson after the game. “I never took my eyes of the ball till it hit the bat or passed through to the wicket-keeper. Definitely this innings has given me immense pleasure.”
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 292 and 133 lost to New Zealand 237 and 189 for five (Kane Williamson 108 n o, Dushmantha Chameera 4/68) by five wickets.
