Kane Williamson's Best Knocks In International Cricket

Kane Williamson [Source - AFP]

Kane Williamson's retirement from international cricket marks the end of an extraordinary era for New Zealand cricket. Since making his debut in 2010, the elegant right-hander established himself as one of the finest batters of his generation through consistency, class, and leadership.

Over a glittering career spanning more than a decade and a half, Williamson amassed 19,346 international runs and 48 centuries across formats. He leaves the game as New Zealand's highest run-scorer and arguably the greatest batter the nation has ever produced.

From match-winning masterclasses in World Cups to memorable knocks in challenging overseas conditions, Williamson delivered countless special innings for the Black Caps. 

As the cricketing world bids farewell to a modern great, here is a look at his five greatest international knocks.

Top 5 Best Knocks of Kane Williamson

5. 131 vs India, Ahmedabad, 2010

Scoring a Test century in India is a dream for many overseas batters, but Kane Williamson achieved it in his very first international match for New Zealand. 

Facing a strong Indian bowling attack in Ahmedabad in 2010, the young New Zealander announced his arrival with a magnificent 131.

Williamson displayed remarkable composure, patience and technique throughout the innings. His back-foot play against spin stood out, while his elegant drives and flicks delighted fans. A debut century in a Test in India made it one of the most special knocks of his career.

4. 106* vs South Africa, Birmingham, 2019

The 2019 World Cup was one of Kane Williamson's finest tournaments, and his unbeaten 106 against South Africa in Birmingham remains among his greatest ODI innings. Chasing 242, New Zealand were struggling at 154/5, with the pressure firmly on their captain.

Williamson remained calm despite wickets falling around him and paced the chase perfectly. Mixing elegant strokeplay with smart game awareness, he guided New Zealand home alongside Colin de Grandhomme. His unbeaten 106 off 138 balls, capped by a memorable slog-swept boundary to seal victory, showcased his class under pressure.

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3. 242* vs Sri Lanka, Wellington, 2015

Kane Williamson produced one of the greatest Test innings of his career when New Zealand were under pressure against Sri Lanka in Wellington, 2015. 

After conceding a 135-run first-innings lead, the hosts needed something special, and Williamson delivered with a marathon unbeaten 242.

Batting for more than 10 hours and facing 438 balls, Williamson combined patience with flawless technique to wear down the Sri Lankan attack. 

His unbroken 365-run partnership with BJ Watling transformed the match, helping New Zealand set up a commanding position before sealing a memorable 193-run victory.

2. 85 (48) vs Australia, Dubai, 2021

Big players are remembered for delivering on the biggest stages, and Kane Williamson did exactly that in the 2021 T20 World Cup final against Australia. 

While wickets fell around him and no other New Zealand batter managed a significant score, the captain stood tall with a magnificent 85 off just 48 balls.

Facing a world-class attack featuring Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Williamson played with complete authority and scored at a strike rate of 177.08. 

His innings lifted New Zealand to a competitive 172, but Australia eventually chased it down. Despite ending in defeat, Williamson's knock remains one of the finest innings played in a T20 World Cup final.

1. 251 vs West Indies, Hamilton, 2020 

Kane Williamson was at his brilliant best against West Indies in Hamilton, 2020, producing the highest Test score of his career. 

The New Zealand captain batted for more than 10 hours and scored a magnificent 251, completely dominating the visitors' bowling attack.

Built on patience, concentration and flawless shot selection, the innings became the foundation of New Zealand's commanding victory. 

The double century also helped Williamson climb to the No. 1 spot in the ICC Test batting rankings, moving ahead of modern greats Virat Kohli and Steve Smith at the time.

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