New Zealand cricket team dominated Sri Lanka as Williamson and Nicholls shine with remarkable performances. The 32-year-old Williamson showcased exceptional batting skills on day two at Basin Reserve.
Kane Williamson, the former captain of New Zealand, reaffirmed his value to his country with a splendid double century against Sri Lanka in the series’ final match. On the second day of the game at Basin Reserve, Williamson showcased his exceptional skills as the home team batted first and declared their innings at an impressive 580/4.
In the ongoing Test match against Sri Lanka, Kane Williamson and Henry Nicholls put on an impressive display of batting skills, building up their innings steadily throughout the day. Williamson reached his half-century and passed 8,000 runs in tests when he was at 91. He then went on to score his 28th test century before scoring his 6th double century. On the other hand, Nicholls played a subordinate role early on, reaching his half-century from 79 balls.
The pair went on to pass 150 for the third wicket, then 200, then 250 and 300 from only 420 balls. As the day progressed, their scoring rate picked up, and Williamson reached his double century from 285 balls, in 460 minutes. However, it became clear that New Zealand was eager to declare, and the pace of scoring stepped up.
Williamson was eventually caught at long-on after hitting out and making a total of 215 runs. Daryl Mitchell came and went while Nicholls pressed on to reach his 200 from 249 balls. Soon after, Southee signaled the declaration from the players’ balcony, with New Zealand at 650-6.
Williamson’s Record
The match’s highlight was Williamson’s outstanding performance, where he scored an unbeaten 215 runs off 296 balls, including 23 fours and two sixes. This remarkable achievement marked his sixth double hundred in Test cricket, placing him alongside legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Virender Sehwag.
Currently, Williamson is eyeing Virat Kohli’s impressive record of seven double-hundreds in red-ball cricket. Australia’s Don Bradman tops the chart with an incredible 12 double-hundreds in just 52 games.
Williamson’s exceptional form
Williamson’s recent form has been nothing short of exceptional, with the former New Zealand captain scoring two consecutive centuries. In the first game against Sri Lanka, he scored a hundred that helped New Zealand win a thrilling last-ball game. In the ongoing match, Williamson’s 215 off 296 balls included 23 fours and two sixes. It was an innings of sheer class and determination that ensured New Zealand are in a match winning position.
Nicholls’ remarkable double century
Meanwhile, Henry Nicholls also achieved a remarkable feat in the current match by scoring a double century. His unbeatable performance, with a total of 200 runs off 240 deliveries, was adorned with 15 boundaries and four maximums. Nicholls’ outstanding performance has not only added to his personal achievements but has also helped New Zealand establish a massive score against the Lankan counterpart.
Tim Southee made a timely declaration that had the Sri Lankan team had to survive 17 overs before Stumps. Despite being run ragged, Sri Lanka faced New Zealand’s bowlers with Oshada Fernando feeling for a delivery outside off stump and nicking off to the wicketkeeper after a probing spell by Matt Henry. Kusal Mendis faced a similar fate as he cut a loosener fiercely only to see Devon Conway complete a leaping catch at backward point off Doug Bracewell’s delivery. Sri Lanka ended the day with a daunting 554-run deficit and an uphill task to make a comeback in the game.
