New Zealand vs Pakistan: Captain Kane Williamson comes up with yet another classy act, delays declaration for Daryl Mitchell’s maiden century

New Zealand vs Pakistan: Captain Kane Williamson comes up with yet another classy act, delays declaration for Daryl Mitchell’s maiden century

Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson

Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson
Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson

The ongoing second Test between New Zealand and Pakistan witnessed yet another masterclass from Kane Williamson. The Kiwi skipper celebrated his ascension to the number one spot in the Test rankings with a scintillating double hundred, fourth of his career. But that was not all from Williamson as he went on to prove yet again why he is hailed as a true sportsperson.

Pacer Kyle Jamieson finished the 158th over of the innings with a six to take the total to 649. And it looked like the hosts will declare as the lead crossed the 350 run mark. But that wasn’t the case as Williamson delayed the declaration for all-rounder Daryl Mitchell who was on the cusp of his maiden Test century. Williamson was also seen urging Mitchell, who was then at 93, to calmly bring up his maiden ton in Test cricket. The all-rounder then went on to complete his ton in the next four balls and Williamson declared as Mitchell walked back gladly unbeaten at 102.

“Probably hasn’t sunk in quite yet, but it’s a special feeling. Grateful to him (Kane) for giving a couple of extra overs to get the hundred. His knock was amazing. He set us up, hopefully, we will get the remaining wickets tomorrow. I was relieved more than anything (on the emotions of getting a hundred).” Mitchell said after the day’s play.

A Williamson show at Hagley Oval

Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson

Williamson was in classic form, batting for nine hours 33 minutes for his 238 and leading New Zealand to an imposing 659 for six declared to lead Pakistan by 362. It was a relentless performance from Williamson who became only the second New Zealander after Brendon McCullum to score four double centuries. Having been dropped numerous times, Williamson and Henry Nicholls rebuilt the innings after New Zealand were reduced to 71 for three on Monday’s second day.

The Kiwi skipper collaborated in a marathon 369-run partnership, a New Zealand record for the fourth wicket, with Nicholls, who made 157. Following the humongous stand, Mitchell played a counterattacking knock bringing up his maiden ton off just 112 balls. Having fielded for 158.5 overs, almost two full days, the task of facing New Zealand’s fresh attack before stumps was a daunting one for Pakistan.

The visitors are staring at an innings defeat in Christchurch as they finished day three with just eight runs on the board and a wicket down.

Also Read | VVS Laxman feels Mayank Agarwal should make way for Rohit Sharma for Sydney Test