Kane Williamson was the star as New Zealand overcame an ambitious Sri Lanka total, passing 276 with two overs to spare.

Williamson struck 103  to see New Zealand post a four-wicket victory to seal the series and further increase their confidence ahead of the ICC Cricket World Cup.

While Williamson provided the platform, it was New Zealand’s lower order who sealed the win. Luke Ronchi went after Thisara Perera, smashing three sixes and a four to push New Zealand toward the line, before Daniel Vettori convincingly scythed four to end the contest.

“It is always nice to bat with other blokes who are scoring freely,” said man of the match Williamson.

“It was great initially with Grant, before Corey took over. To finish it off the way we did with Ronchi was just superb. 

“I am still very much working on my bowling, and am pretty happy with how it is progressing. I don't want to rush it and want to keep learning to bowl more and more.” 

Williamson’s performance also drew plaudits from captain Brendon McCullum, who also reserved praise for his bowlers in keeping Sri Lanka to what he considered an under par total. 

Sri Lanka had looked set to reach in excess of 300, were it not for tight bowling t the death. Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan conceded only eight runs from the final three overs, picking up five wickets between them.

“It was a really good effort from the bowlers to give us a score under par,” he said.

“Then Kane showed how experienced he is and how he can formulate a gameplan, and the game was finished off well by Corey and Ronchi. 

“The beauty of this team is that someone else will step up in case anything goes wrong. They expect us to fight hard and I will try to lead by example. Elliott had a tough time of late, but he showed strength of character and was one of the assets the selectors were keen to see. 

He is a great team man, and is a classy batsman at club level, and the partnership he formed with Kane was crucial to getting us into this. Kane has been wonderful and its great to see him work his magic.”

 

Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Royal London One-Day International between England and New Zealand on Wednesday 17 June. Don't miss the chance to take in what promises to be an absorbing contest and secure your seat now.