Williamson's Heroics Seal New Zealand’s Spot in Tri-Series Final, Breetzke’s Record 150 in Vain

Lahore – Kane Williamson's masterclass 133 and Devon Conway’s crucial 97* powered New Zealand to a thrilling six-wicket victory over South Africa, securing their spot in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series final. Despite a record-breaking 150-run debut knock from Matthew Breetzke, South Africa’s 304/6 was not enough as New Zealand successfully chased the target with eight balls to spare.

Williamson & Conway Shine in Record Partnership

Chasing 305, New Zealand lost Will Young (19) early but found stability in a record 187-run stand between Williamson and Conway—New Zealand’s highest ODI partnership against South Africa.

• *Kane Williamson (133)**: His first ODI century in 22 innings and the second-fastest of his career (72 balls).
• Devon Conway (97): His first fifty-plus score in 11 ODI innings since the 2023 World Cup opener.

Their balanced approach allowed New Zealand to take control by the halfway mark, leaving South Africa’s bowlers with no answers. Williamson's 100 came in the 34th over, while Conway fell just short, edging Junior Dala to Senuran Muthusamy on 97.

Breetzke’s Historic Knock Not Enough for South Africa

South Africa’s innings revolved around Matthew Breetzke, who smashed 150 off 147 balls, becoming the highest run-scorer on ODI debut and only the fourth South African to hit a century in his first match. However, the middle order failed to capitalize on his efforts.

• Jason Smith (33) & Wiaan Mulder (64)* provided support, but South Africa’s middle-overs scoring rate dropped significantly.
• Three debutant bowlers—Ethan Bosch, Senuran Muthusamy, Mihlali Mpongwana—struggled, while experienced Lungi Ngidi and Tabraiz Shamsi conceded 116 runs in 16 overs.

South Africa’s Woes Continue

With this loss, South Africa has now suffered five consecutive ODI defeats, their longest losing streak in 20 years. However, they have played without a full-strength squad.

What’s Next?

New Zealand’s victory means they advance to the Tri-Series final, while South Africa faces Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday in a must-win knockout clash.