Williamson Smashes 31st Test Century As NZ Take Massive Lead Vs RSA

Kane Williamson followed his century in the first innings with another as New Zealand led South Africa by 528 runs with six second-innings wickets in hand at stumps Tuesday on the third day of the first Test in Mount Maunganui, Associated Press reports. Williamson became only the fifth New Zealander after Glenn Turner, Geoff Howarth, Andrew Jones and Peter Fulton to score centuries in each innings of a Test. He scored 118 in New Zealand's first innings of 511 — his 30th Test century — and added his 31st Tuesday before being dismissed for 109 close to stumps. Williamson took 241 balls to reach a century on the first day but only 125 balls to repeat the feat as New Zealand piled on runs after choosing not to enforce the follow-on. He finally was out stumped by Clyde Fortuin from the bowling of Neil Brand chasing runs, only the third time Williamson has been dismissed in that manner in 97 Tests. At stumps, New Zealand were 179-4 with Daryl Mitchell on 11 and Tom Blundell 5.

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Updated on: 6 February 2024 2:36 pm

New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

New Zealand's Kane Williamson bats on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

South Africa's Edward Moore drops a catch and a chance to dismiss New Zealand's Kane Williamson on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

New Zealand's Kane Williamson celebrates his second innings century as South Africa's Raynard van Tonder, left, watches on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

Duanne Olivier of South Africa hist the ball towards New Zealand's Kyle Jamieson on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

Keegan Petersen of South Africa bats on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

New Zealand bowler Matt Henry celebrates the dismissal of South Africa's Ruan de Swardt on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

New Zealand's Mitch Santner takes a catch to dismiss South Africa's David Bedingham on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

New Zealand's Mitch Santner bowls on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

Clyde Fortuin of South Africa evades a bouncer on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.

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New Zealand vs South Africa First Test: Day 3 | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport via AP

Keegan Petersen of South Africa bats on day three of the first cricket test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui, New Zealand.