Kane Williamson Becomes New Zealand’s Fourth-Highest Run-Scorer In ODIs

New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson has surpassed former cricketer Nathan Astle to become the fourth-highest run-getter for his country in ODI cricket.

The milestone was achieved during New Zealand’s final group-stage match against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Williamson played a gritty knock of 81 off 120 balls, hitting seven boundaries at a strike rate of 67.5. Despite his efforts, his innings ended due to a sharp stumping by KL Rahul off Axar Patel’s delivery, as New Zealand fell short in their 250-run chase.

Williamson’s ODI Career vs. Astle’s Legacy

• In 171 ODIs, Williamson has scored 7,122 runs at an average of 49.11 and a strike rate of 81.44, including 14 centuries and 47 fifties. His highest score is 148.
• Nathan Astle, in 223 ODIs, amassed 7,090 runs at an average of 34.92, with 16 centuries and 41 fifties. His highest score was *145 (not out)**.

New Zealand’s Top Three ODI Run-Getters

1. Ross Taylor – 8,607 runs in 236 matches (Average: 47.55, 21 centuries, 51 fifties)
2. Stephen Fleming – 8,007 runs in 279 matches (Average: 32.41, 8 centuries, 49 fifties)
3. Martin Guptill – 7,346 runs in 198 matches (Average: 41.73, 18 centuries, 39 fifties)

Match Recap: India vs. New Zealand

After winning the toss, New Zealand opted to bowl first. India’s top order struggled, slipping to 30/3 early on. A 98-run stand between Shreyas Iyer (79) and Axar Patel (42) stabilized the innings, while Hardik Pandya (45) and Ravindra Jadeja (16) provided a late boost to help India reach 249/9 in 50 overs.

Matt Henry was the pick of the bowlers for NZ, taking 5/42 in eight overs.

In response, New Zealand’s chase faltered despite Williamson’s 81-run resistance. India’s spinners, led by Varun Chakravarthy (5/42), Kuldeep Yadav (2/56), and Axar Patel (1/38), choked the middle order, bundling the Kiwis out for 205 in 45.3 overs.

Final Scorecard

India – 249/9 in 50 overs (Iyer 79, Axar 42, Hardik 45; Henry 5/42)
New Zealand – 205 all out in 45.3 overs (Williamson 81; Chakravarthy 5/42, Kuldeep 2/56)

🔹 India won by 44 runs.