Kane Williamson hails vital New Zealand partnership with Ross Taylor
Monday 15 June 2015 06:27, UK
New Zealand centurion Kane Williamson admitted his record-breaking stand with Ross Taylor was key to the three-wicket victory over England at the Ageas Bowl.
Chasing a target of 303, the Kiwis overcame the early dismissals of Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill to win, largely thanks to a 206-run stand between Williamson and Taylor – the highest third-wicket partnership in New Zealand history.
Williamson’s century was his seventh in this format of the game, but the 24-year-old was quick to praise his side's bowlers for restricting England when they looked on course for a big score.
"I think that partnership in the middle was key,” Williamson said.
“First of all it was important to actually bowl England out today short of their 50 overs. They were on target for a big score and they've played really well again so it was nice to be able to do that and get a total that you could probably break down.”
Skipper McCullum was also thrilled with his side's improved showing with the ball.
He said: "I think last game we were excellent with the bat. We were a little bit untidy with the ball but we were put under a lot of pressure. This game we were put under a lot of pressure again, but the way we responded in those last 10 overs was a good sign.
"It shows we've been able to learn in a short space of time and we've got quite a young bowling line-up ourselves so I was really delighted they stuck to their guns and were able to bowl them out inside 50 overs."
New Zealand are 2-1 up in the five-match series, with the fourth one-day international taking place at Trent Bridge on Wednesday - live on Sky Sports 2.
Live One-Day International Cricket
