Kane Williamson one of the best batsmen in the world turns 31 today. Williamson is named amongst the greatest kiwi batsmen and captains. He is also part of batting fab-4 of the current generation alongside Virat Kohli, Joe Root, and Steve Smith. Meanwhile, Kane Williamson is currently an all-format captain for New Zealand and is equally effective in all three formats of the game. Also, Kane dominates with the bat in ODIs, T20Is, and Test cricket as well.
Under Kane Williamson, team New Zealand reached heights like never before. Also, Kane Williamson was responsible for ending New Zealand’s ICC trophy drought. As he led The Blackcaps towards victory in the inaugural edition of the World Test Championship (WTC). With the bat, Kane is already placed amongst the highest run-getter for New Zealand in all three formats.
On the 31st Birthday of Kane Williamson let’s have a look at 5 unknown facts about him
#5 Kane Williamson has scored the most runs in a World Cup series as a captain
The 31-year-old batter was in stunning form in the 2019 ODI World Cup. He was one of the only consistent batsmen from team New Zealand in World Cup 2019. Williamson performed consistently throughout the tournament and scored 578 runs. Meanwhile, he was even awarded as Player of the tournament in the marquee 2019 World Cup.
Kane Williamson even led his team towards the finals of the ODI World Cup 2019. However, Blackcaps failed to lift the World Cup Trophy in a controversial encounter. They came very close but eventually lost the battle against Eoin Morgan’s led England.
#4. Kane Williamson is the youngest New Zealand player to score a Test century on his debut
Kane Williamson entered into the purest form of the game for New Zealand with a bang. Williamson was a well-known personality as he was an amazingly talented batsman in the U-19 cricket scene. He made his Test debut in 2010 against India, as players like Sehwag, Dravid, Dhoni Laxman, Gambhir, Zaheer, and Sachin Tendulkar were present in his opposition.
Meanwhile, the debutant, Kane at the age of 20 went on to score an exceptional century in his very first Test appearance for New Zealand. He scored brilliant 131 runs before getting out on delivery of Pragyan Ojha. Notably, the match resulted in a draw. However, still, the youngster got the limelight by scoring a marvelous century against India and went to become one of the all-time greats for New Zealand.
#3 Kane Williamson has the most number of centuries for New Zealand in Test cricket
The 31-year-old already has scored more centuries than any other Kiwi Player in Test cricket. After registering a century on debut Kane Williamson was unstoppable and went on to score many more centuries for New Zealand.
Kane Williamson has scored a total of 24 hundred so far in Test cricket. Notably, this is more than any other Kiwi player. One of the best batsman Ross Taylor is placed second on the list with 19 centuries in his name. Also other than 24 tons Williamson has 33 half-centuries under his belt.
#2 Kane Williamson won Orange cap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018
Kane Williamson is not only an exceptional batsman in longer formats of the game. Williamson is a brilliant T20 batsman and captain. During the 2018 edition of IPL Kane Williamson was leading the Sunrisers Hyderabad Franchise. Also, he was the highest run-getter in the 2018 season of the Indian Premier League. Kane smashed 735 runs at an outstanding average of 52.50 and strike rate of 142.44. Also, The 31-year-old scored 8 half-centuries in that season.
Meanwhile, Under Kane Williamson Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the final of the tournament, eventually losing to CSK. In the final match, Williamson smashed 47 to help SRH reach 178 runs. However, Chennai Super Kings chased the target with the help of Shane Watson’s century to lift the trophy.
#1. Kane Williamson became the first-ever captain to win World Test Championship mace
Kane Williamson led New Zealand towards victory in the first even WTC tournament to end the two-decade trophy drought. Notably, Williamson was just a 10-year-old boy when New Zealand won Champions Trophy in 2000 under Stephen Fleming.
Team New Zealand faced Virat Kohli-led India in the inaugural WTC final at Ageas Bowl, Southampton. The game was a low-scoring yet thrilling encounter between the top two sides in the world. The WTC final lasted a total of 6 days as rain interrupted the play several times. Kane Williamson performed brilliantly once again as he scored good runs in both innings. In the first innings, the Kiwi skipper scored 49 and in the second innings, he scored a sensational unbeaten 52 to lead New Zealand towards lifting the Test mace.
