* Morkel takes six wickets
* Williamson century saves NZ from crushing loss
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By Greg Stutchbury
WELLINGTON, March 27 (Reuters) – Kane Williamson scored his
second test century and guided New Zealand to an unexpected draw
as the hosts made 200 for six at the end of the third and final
test against South Africa at the Basin Reserve on Tuesday.
New Zealand had been chasing an improbable 389 for victory
and Williamson showed maturity beyond his 21 years after his
more experienced colleagues were destroyed by Morne Morkel’s
career-best figures of 6-23 that had taken the visitors within
sight of a crushing win.
The Proteas still took the series 1-0 after winning the
second test at Seddon Park in Hamilton by nine wickets.
“Obviously we would have loved to have won the test and
levelled the series but it was beyond us,” New Zealand’s
vice-captain Brendon McCullum told reporters.
“But to have seen some of the fight from our young guys
today and (they way they) stood up to one of the best attacks in
the world in recent history and to have kept them at bay and got
away with a fighting draw is pretty satisfying.”
South Africa’s fielders did not help themselves, dropping
four catches, while Williamson was also given the benefit of the
doubt when on seven when television replays were not conclusive
that Alviro Petersen had snared a low catch.
Continued…
