In a thrilling encounter at the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson etched his name into the history books by becoming the first Kiwi player to surpass 19,000 international runs.
The momentous achievement came during the second semi-final against South Africa, where Williamson’s splendid form continued to shine.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner saw his decision pay off as Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson orchestrated a remarkable batting display. The duo put up a record-breaking 164-run partnership for the second wicket, the highest by a New Zealand pair in the tournament’s history. Both players notched up centuries, with Williamson’s knock of 102 runs being his fourth century against South Africa and his 15th in the ODI format.
This latest ton by Williamson also marked his fourth century in an ICC ODI tournament, further cementing his legacy as one of New Zealand’s greatest batters. His remarkable milestone saw him surpass the tallies of Ross Taylor (18,199 runs) and Stephen Fleming (15,289 runs).
Williamson’s incredible form has been a hallmark of the tournament, following his stellar performances in the pre-Champions Trophy tri-series against Pakistan and South Africa. As he continues to dazzle on the big stage, the cricketing world eagerly watches his journey towards the coveted 20,000-run mark in international cricket.
21-Year Record Shattered
The semi-final clash also witnessed a significant milestone in New Zealand cricket history. The 164-run partnership between Rachin Ravindra and Kane Williamson broke a 21-year-old record, showcasing their prowess against South Africa’s formidable bowling attack.
With this performance, New Zealand has set the stage for an exciting climax to their ICC Champions Trophy campaign, and cricket fans around the world eagerly await their next move.
Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling tournament! 🎉🏏
