Kane Williamson notched his second century of the match on day three of the first Test against South Africa, as New Zealand consolidated their dominance.
New Zealand reached 179-4 in their second innings at Mount Maunganui, extending their overall lead to 528 runs by stumps. Williamson, who had already scored 118 in the first innings, was dismissed for a rapid 109. This was his 31st Test century and the first time he achieved the feat twice in the same match.
The 34-year-old displayed aggression from the outset, hitting 12 fours and a six in his 132-ball innings. His dismissal came as he was stumped off the bowling of Proteas captain Neil Brand. Daryl Mitchell (11*) and Tom Blundell (5*) were at the crease when play concluded.
The South African side, depleted due to player unavailability, was dismissed for 162 in response to New Zealand's first innings total of 511. The follow-on was not enforced, allowing Williamson to build another substantial score.
Commenting on Williamson's exceptional form, New Zealand coach Stead hailed his performance as "fantastic" and emphasised his pivotal role in supporting Rachin Ravindra's double century in the first innings.
Stead refrained from revealing whether New Zealand would declare overnight, stating that the decision is intended to "keep them guessing." He explained that prioritizing the fitness of their bowling attack is necessary ahead of future Test matches against South Africa and Australia.
Williamson survived another dropped catch, as was the case in the first innings, with Edward Moore letting the opportunity slip when the former was on 61. However, Moore redeemed himself by taking a catch to dismiss Devon Conway(29).
South Africa struggled against New Zealand's bowling attack, losing their last six wickets for 82 runs. Keegan Petersen's 45 was the highest score among the Proteas. Seamer Matt Henry claimed three wickets for 31 runs, while Mitchell Santner capitalized on spin-friendly conditions to finish with figures of 3-34.
Image Caption: New Zealand's Mitchell Santner takes a catch to dismiss South Africa's David Bedingham