Williamson guides New Zealand to Tri-Series final despite Breetzke’s heroics

New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets in the tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday, with Kane Williamson's unbeaten 133 and Devon Conway's 97 overshadowing Matthew Breetzke’s record 150 to seal a spot in the February 14 final.

After an early setback in the chase with Will Young’s dismissal for 19, Williamson and Conway put together a crucial 187-run stand in just 155 balls, propelling New Zealand towards the 305-run target.

Williamson, playing his 167th ODI, registered his 14th century in style. His stroke play was exquisite, thrilling the small crowd in attendance. His superb knock of 113 balls included 13 boundaries and two sixes. He reached his half-century in 44 balls and completed his century in just 72 deliveries.

Conway, who replaced Rachin Ravindra after he suffered a head injury while fielding against Pakistan, made the most of his opportunity. The left-hander took his time but capitalized well before falling short of a century. He was brilliantly caught by Senuran Muthusamy at point off medium pacer Junior Dala for 97. Conway had reached his fifty in 64 balls and struck nine fours and one six in his well-crafted 107-ball innings.

Mini collapse

After Conway’s dismissal, New Zealand faced a minor collapse, losing two quick wickets. Debutant spinner Senuran Muthusamy dismissed Daryl Mitchell (10) and Tom Latham (0) off consecutive deliveries, reducing New Zealand to 251-4 in the 39th over.

At this crucial moment, Williamson joined forces with Glenn Phillips, who had scored a century in the previous match. The pair remained unbeaten, adding 57 runs off 61 balls for the fifth wicket to guide New Zealand to victory. Phillips contributed 28 not out, hitting one four and a six off 32 balls.

Senuran Muthusamy was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with 2-50 in 8.4 overs. Ethan Bosch (1-33 in 7 overs) and Junior Dala (1-47 in 8) also chipped in.

Earlier, after being put in to bat, Matthew Breetzke made history by becoming the first-ever player to score 150 on his ODI debut, breaking a 47-year-old record. The previous highest ODI debut score was 148 by West Indies' Desmond Haynes against Australia on February 22, 1978, in St John’s.

South Africa fielded four debutants, including Breetzke, but the 26-year-old played with great authority, ensuring his team remained competitive. Taking his time early on, he gradually accelerated, striking shots all over the ground to mark an impressive debut. He became the 19th player globally and the fourth South African to score a century on his ODI debut.

After losing his opening partner and captain, Temba Bavuma, for 20 off 23 balls (including three fours), Breetzke took control of the innings. His partnerships were instrumental in building a strong total. He put on 93 runs for the second wicket with Jason Smith, who contributed 41 off 51 balls before being run out smartly by Mitchell Santner. Smith’s innings included two sixes and a four.

Breetzke then forged a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket stand with Wiaan Mulder, who struck a quick 64 off 60 balls before being caught at deep mid-off by Daryl Mitchell off Will O’Rourke. Mulder’s half-century came in 54 balls, and his innings featured one six and five fours.

Breetzke, who was dismissed in the 46th over, was caught at mid-off by Michael Bracewell off Matt Henry. His commanding 148-ball innings featured five sixes and 11 fours. He reached his half-century in 68 balls, his century in 128 deliveries, and his 150 in 147 balls.

Matt Henry (2-59 in 10 overs) and Will O’Rourke (2-72 in 10 overs) were South Africa’s most successful bowlers.