Veteran batsman Kane Williamson thinks his team is better prepared for the 2025 Champions Trophy, which starts on February 19, after New Zealand defeated South Africa by six wickets in the Tri-Nation Series at the Gaddafi Stadium. With his 14th ODI century, Kane Williamson got back to his best as his team chased the difficult target of 305.
It was Williamson’s first century in more than five years; he had last achieved the feat against the West Indies in the 2019 ODI World Cup. With two sixes and thirteen boundaries accounting for the majority of his run total, the 34-year-old sped to the finish line at a strike rate of 117.69 & a score of 133 runs in 113 balls with 13 fours and 2 sixes
During the 2025 Tri-Series match between New Zealand and South Africa, Kane Williamson scored his 14th one-day international century and recorded a feat.
Kane Williamson Named Man Of The Match Against South Africa
Kane Williamson was named Man Of The Match against South Africa after his brilliant 100. He said :
“The conditions were brilliant. Today was a good effort. South Africa did great to get to 300 after a dicult start, we had to work hard to chase this down. We just gotta keep going to different venues so we need different things. Today was the early start which needed different preparation. It will all help us prepare for the Champions Trophy,” said Williamson, who was named Player of the Match, in the post-match presentation.
The Black Caps will focus on the final match between South Africa and Pakistan after defeating the hosts, Pakistan, in the opening match. They will find out who they will face in the final, which takes place in Karachi on February 14.
Since it enables them to get ready for their Champions League opener against Pakistan, which will also take place in Karachi, New Zealand will be pleased to have guaranteed a spot in the final at the National Stadium in Karachi. The Black Caps defeat South Africa by six wickets to advance to the Summit Clash, while Kane Williamson and Devon Conway shine as New Zealand advances to the Pakistan TriSeries 2025 Final.
Mitchell Santner, the captain, was also ecstatic to have a diverse roster for the eight-team competition since it gives him a wide range of alternatives for the games that lie ahead.
“That’s the main thing, having different guys performing and stepping up. It is pleasing for the squad. We’ll head to Karachi now and prepare for the final. We pride ourselves on having many options, and squeezing players in the middle overs especially on flatter decks where you need to make things happen”, said Santner.