Lahore [Pakistan]: Kane Williamson etched his name in the history books with a spectacular century against South Africa in the second semi-final of the ICC Champions Trophy, becoming New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in the tournament. He also crossed the monumental milestone of 19,000 international runs, a first for any Kiwi batter.
The seasoned batter scored a sublime 102 off 94 balls, featuring 10 boundaries and 2 sixes, at the picturesque Gaddafi Stadium. His knock was instrumental in helping New Zealand set a competitive total and secure a spot in the Champions Trophy final. This was Williamson’s third consecutive century against South Africa in ODIs, making him the first New Zealand player and the first-ever to achieve this feat against the Proteas.
Williamson’s Dominance Against South Africa
Williamson’s stellar performance continued his impressive run against South Africa, which began with an unbeaten 106 in Birmingham in 2019. He followed it up with an unbeaten 133 during the ODI tri-nation series in Lahore leading up to the Champions Trophy. In the current tournament, Williamson has amassed 189 runs in four matches at an average of 47.25, including a century and a fifty.
In the broader context of the Champions Trophy, Williamson has now scored 534 runs in 10 matches at an average of 59.33, with two centuries and four fifties, making him New Zealand’s highest run-scorer in the tournament’s history.
Crossing the 19,000 Run Milestone
Williamson’s innings also saw him cross the 19,000-run mark in international cricket, becoming the first New Zealand batter to achieve this milestone. In 370 matches across all formats, he has scored 19,075 runs at an impressive average of 48.66, including 48 centuries and 102 fifties.
Rachin Ravindra’s Heroics and a Historic Partnership
Rachin Ravindra complemented Williamson’s efforts with his second century of the tournament, drawing comparisons to the legendary Indian duo of Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly, who achieved similar feats in the 2002 Champions Trophy. The pair’s centuries made them the sixth duo in the tournament’s history to score multiple hundreds.
Notably, New Zealand’s Will Young and Tom Latham had also achieved the same feat earlier in the tournament opener against Pakistan in Karachi, showcasing the depth and form of the Kiwi batting lineup.
A Glimpse at the Records
- Most runs for New Zealand in Champions Trophy: 534 runs at 59.33 average.
- First Kiwi to surpass 19,000 international runs: 19,075 runs in 370 matches at 48.66 average.
- Consecutive centuries against South Africa: First batter ever to do so.
- Overall career centuries: 48 centuries and 102 fifties across formats.
With his record-breaking performances, Williamson has reaffirmed his status as one of the modern greats of the game and has set the stage for an exciting final as New Zealand eyes their maiden ICC Champions Trophy title.