New Zealand wrap up series as Williamson hits ton

AFP, HAMILTON: Kane Williamson added to an already glittering resume as he led New Zealand to a five-wicket victory in Hamilton Monday to wrap up the two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
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 B J Watling with a single to get New Zealand to their 189 target but the result belonged to the 25-year-old Williamson.
Although it was not a large run chase, Williamson said the short-pitched bowling strategy meant controlled shot selection was required.
Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said it was “disappointing” shot selection that cost his side a chance to level the series.
Williamson, now number one in the ICC batting rankings, reached a number of milestones in his 108 not out as New Zealand followed up their 122-run triumph in the first Test in Dunedin.
After resuming the day on 78, he took a four off the second delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, 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.
As Williamson accumulated the runs, Watling put up a brick wall defence at the other end, facing 20 deliveries before getting off the mark while Williamson added 26 in the same period.
Williamson ended the year with easily the best average of established Test players in 2015 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.
His 13 Test centuries takes him to second equal on the New Zealand list with Ross Taylor and four behind the record of 17 set by Martin Crowe.
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.

Brief scores

Sri Lanka: 292/10 & 133/10
New Zealand: 237/10 & 189/5   

New Zealand wrap up series as Williamson hits ton

AFP, HAMILTON: Kane Williamson added to an already glittering resume as he led New Zealand to a five-wicket victory in Hamilton Monday to wrap up the two-Test series against Sri Lanka. 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 B J Watling with a single to get New Zealand to their 189 target but the result belonged to the 25-year-old Williamson. Although it was not a large run chase, Williamson said the short-pitched bowling strategy meant controlled shot selection was required. Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews said it was disappointing shot selection that cost his side a chance to level the series. Williamson, now number one in the ICC batting rankings, reached a number of milestones in his 108 not out as New Zealand followed up their 122-run triumph in the first Test in Dunedin. After resuming the day on 78, he took a four off the second delivery from Dushmantha Chameera, Sri Lankas most effective bowler. His century came from a similar shot with a boundary through square off Chameera which also took him past Brendon McCullums New Zealand record of 1,164 Test runs in a calendar year. As Williamson accumulated the runs, Watling put up a brick wall defence at the other end, facing 20 deliveries before getting off the mark while Williamson added 26 in the same period. Williamson ended the year with easily the best average of established Test players in 2015 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. His 13 Test centuries takes him to second equal on the New Zealand list with Ross Taylor and four behind the record of 17 set by Martin Crowe. 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. Brief scores Sri Lanka: 292/10 133/10 New Zealand: 237/10 189/5