HAMILTON, Dec. 16 (V7N)- New Zealand piled the pressure on England with a commanding performance on day three of the third Test at Seddon Park, setting an imposing target of 658 for the visitors to chase. Kane Williamson’s masterful 156 headlined the Black Caps’ second-innings total of 453, as they pushed for a consolation victory in the series.

Williamson’s 33rd Test century was a continuation of his dominance at Seddon Park, where he averages 94.94. His innings, laced with 20 fours and a six, also made him the highest run-scorer at a single venue in New Zealand with 1,614 runs. The New Zealand stalwart shared key partnerships, including a 105-run stand with Rachin Ravindra (44).

Williamson’s dismissal, top-edging a sweep to deep field off Shoaib Bashir (2-170), capped another milestone for New Zealand’s most prolific Test batter.

Daryl Mitchell (60) and Mitchell Santner (49*) added crucial runs, while Jacob Bethell emerged as England's most effective bowler, claiming 3-72. Santner fell short of consecutive half-centuries, holing out to Joe Root late in the innings.

Tim Southee, playing his final Test match, managed just two runs in his farewell innings but was cheered off the field by a supportive home crowd.

The tourists face a monumental task of chasing 658, the highest target ever set in a Test match. Their hopes were further dented by a hamstring injury to captain Ben Stokes, who limped off the field mid-bowling spell and is doubtful to bat in the fourth innings.

Rain delayed the start of play, but Williamson quickly found rhythm, capitalizing on missed chances, including a dropped catch by Ollie Pope off Stokes. England’s bowlers struggled to break New Zealand’s momentum despite moments of brilliance, such as Matthew Potts’ dismissal of Ravindra and Bashir’s late wickets.

With England already securing the series after dominant wins in the first two Tests, New Zealand is in prime position to claim a consolation victory. The challenge now lies with England’s batters to either chase the improbable target or survive over two days to salvage a draw.

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