NZ v SL 2023: WATCH - Kane Williamson dives to win Test on last ball; Cricket fraternity applauds his knock

Williamson remained unbeaten on 121 to take New Zealand over the finishing line.

By Salman Anjum - 13 Mar, 2023

Kane Williamson starred with the bat in New Zealand’s thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on Monday (March 13).

Going into the final day, the Kiwis needed 257 runs with nine wickets in hand. However, play didn’t start until very late in the day because of persistent rain.

After 37 overs were lost due to rain, the hosts required to chase 257 off 53 overs and it wasn't an easy task. While the BlackCaps lost Tom Latham and Henry Nicholls quite early, Williamson added 142 runs for the fourth wicket with Daryl Mitchell, who got out after scoring 81 off 86 balls.

Mitchell’s wicket triggered a little collapse but Williamson held the one end firmly and took the game to the last over.

In the final over against Asitha Fernando, the home team needed 8 runs and the first two deliveries produced a single while Matt Henry got run out on the third ball. With 5 required off last three balls, Williamson produced a boundary and then took a diving single on the last delivery to take New Zealand over the finishing line.

In the end, Williamson remained unbeaten on 121 off 194 balls. His knock was studded with 11 fours and 1 six.

For his match-winning innings, Kane Williamson received rich praise from the cricket fraternity on Twitter.

Here are the reactions:

 

By Salman Anjum - 13 Mar, 2023

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