Steady Williamson helps New Zealand end memorable year on high with fifth victory

Yorkshire’s Kane Williamson steered New Zealand to a comprehensive eight-wicket first Test victory over Sri Lanka in Christchurch yesterday.
Yorkshire's Kane Williamson enjoyed further success with New Zealand against Sri Lanka.Yorkshire's Kane Williamson enjoyed further success with New Zealand against Sri Lanka.
Yorkshire's Kane Williamson enjoyed further success with New Zealand against Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps chased down a target of 105 for the loss of just two wickets in just under 31 overs to go 1-0 up in the two-match series and cap 2014 as their best year in Test history with five wins from nine matches.

Williamson (31 not out), who will return for a third spell at Headingley this summer, and Ross Taylor (39no) steered the hosts to victory as New Zealand scored 107-2 in their second innings following the loss of openers Tom Latham and Hamish Rutherford.

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Earlier, Sri Lanka had started the day 10 runs behind New Zealand’s first-innings total of 441, on 293-5 in their second innings after being made to follow on.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews resuming on 53, was the visitors’ main hope but, once he fell for 66, there was little resistance elsewhere.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, said: “We want to keep moving the game forward, looking for results.

“You want to achieve special things along the way.

“We also want to be known as a team of pretty humble guys and known to respect the game and play it in the right manner.”

The second Test match between the two sides starts in Wellington on Saturday.