World Cup 2019: The best batting performances of the tournament

#5 Kane Williamson - 106* vs South Africa

New Zealand v South Africa - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

New Zealand locked horns with South Africa in a rain-curtailed 49-over encounter at Birmingham. After winning the toss, captain Kane Williamson opted to bowl first. This turned out to be a good decision, as the Kiwi bowlers restricted the Proteas to 241-6.

New Zealand lost opener, Colin Munro, early, and when the innings was in a recovery phase, there was a mini-collapse, with Chris Morris running through the middle order of New Zealand. With 5 down and 105 runs still needed for victory, Williamson was the only ray of hope for the Kiwis.

Though Williamson also faced challenges from the South African bowlers, he refused to give up. He started rebuilding the innings with Colin de Grandhomme, with both the batsmen adopting contrary approaches.

The 28-year-old exhibited his immaculate batsmanship in the midst of some great bowling by the South Africans. He held things together for New Zealand, and switched gears brilliantly in the slog overs, taking the Kiwis home with a four and six, followed by another boundary, off three consecutive deliveries he faced.

Williamson scored a heroic 106*, and was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match winning knock.