Kane Williamson’s role in New Zealand’s home season remains unclear. Head coach Rob Walter is giving … Kane Williamson’s Summer Plans Still Unclear as New Zealand Coach Rob Walter Backs Veteran BatterRead more
Kane Williamson
| Name | Kane Stuart Williamson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 08/08/1990 |
| National Side | New Zealand |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm off break |
| Role | Top-order batter |
| Spouse | Sarah Raheem |
Kane Williamson is a right-hand top-order batter and occasional off-spin bowler for New Zealand, widely regarded for his calm temperament, classical technique, and consistency across formats. He debuted internationally in 2010 and has since become New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer and the country’s most prolific century-maker. As of September 2025, Williamson has 9,276 Test runs (avg ~54.9), 7,235 ODI runs (avg ~49.2), and 2,575 T20I runs, along with 33 Test and 15 ODI hundreds—the most international centuries by a New Zealand batter. His reputation extends beyond numbers; he is admired for his sportsmanship and tactical acumen, often described as the heartbeat of New Zealand cricket.
Early Life
Born on August 8, 1990, in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Williamson grew up in a sporting family and showed outstanding promise from a young age. His father, Brett, played club cricket, while his mother excelled in basketball. Kane, along with his twin brother Logan and three older sisters, was immersed in sports culture. At Tauranga Boys’ College, he captained the school’s first XI, scoring prolifically and earning a reputation for maturity beyond his years. By age 17, he was already representing New Zealand U-19s, showcasing the temperament and technique that made selectors earmark him as a future star.
Personal Life
Williamson is known for his understated leadership style and sportsmanship. Away from the field he keeps a low profile, occasionally speaking about family, community, and balance—attributes often cited by teammates as central to New Zealand’s culture during his tenure as captain. In 2022, he and his partner Sarah Raheem welcomed their first child, and he has often spoken about fatherhood giving him new perspective on life and cricket. Unlike many modern cricketers, Williamson shuns controversy and social media limelight, preferring to let his game and actions speak for him.
Domestic Career
Williamson’s domestic career began with Northern Districts in 2007-08, where he quickly established himself as a dependable run-scorer. His adaptability was sharpened through county cricket stints with Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and Middlesex. In England’s challenging conditions, he honed his ability to play the moving ball late, a skill that would become invaluable in his Test success. In 2025, he also captained London Spirit in The Hundred, broadening his T20 league experience. His domestic performances built the platform for his seamless transition into the international arena, proving his technical solidity and tactical maturity early on.
Test Career
Williamson made a century on Test debut against India at Ahmedabad in November 2010, an early indicator of his long-form pedigree. Over the years, he became the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, leading the team to victories at home and abroad. He has amassed 9,276 runs in 105 Tests with a highest of 251 and 33 centuries, both national records. His Test batting average of 54.88 places him among the greats of the modern era.
One of his crowning moments came in 2021 when he led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against India. His ability to craft long innings, adapt to varied conditions, and lead by example made him the quintessential Test batter. In March 2025, his semi-final century in the ICC Champions Trophy reaffirmed his enduring value to New Zealand cricket.
ODI Career
Williamson debuted in August 2010 and grew into New Zealand’s ODI fulcrum, compiling 7,235 runs in 173 matches with a highest of 148 and 15 hundreds. Renowned for his ability to anchor innings while accelerating in the death overs, he was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to the 2015 and 2019 World Cup finals. His calmness under pressure and ability to rotate strike made him one of the most dependable ODI batters.
In 2019, he was awarded the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Cricket World Cup after scoring 578 runs and leading New Zealand to a thrilling final. Even in 2025, Williamson remains New Zealand’s go-to batter in crunch matches, blending classic technique with modern innovation.
T20I Career
In T20Is, Williamson has scored 2,575 runs in 93 matches at an average of around 33. While not known for explosive hitting, his role as an anchor has been critical for balancing New Zealand’s line-up. His captaincy was central to New Zealand’s run to the T20 World Cup 2021 final, where he scored 85 off 48 balls against Australia, a knock regarded as one of his finest in the format. His strike rate of ~123 reflects his ability to adapt, rotate strike, and set the stage for big-hitters like Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham.
IPL Career
Williamson’s most memorable IPL season came in 2018, when he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final and scored 735 runs, winning the Orange Cap. Known for his elegant stroke play and calm leadership, he seamlessly stepped into David Warner’s shoes as captain. He later led SRH in subsequent seasons and, despite battling injuries, remained a reliable contributor. After moving to Gujarat Titans in 2023, he unfortunately suffered an injury in the season opener but returned in 2024. Across his IPL career, Williamson has 2,128 runs in 79 matches at an average of 35.47 with 18 half-centuries.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
| Tests | 105 | 186 | 9,276 | 54.88 | ~51.78 | 33 | 251 | |
| ODIs | 173 | 165 | 7,235 | 49.20 | ~81.72 | 15 | 148 | |
| T20Is | 93 | 90 | 2,575 | 33.40 | ~123.09 | 0 | 95 | |
| IPL | 79 | 77 | 2,128 | 35.47 | ~125–130 | 0 | 18 | 89 |
Records and Achievements
- New Zealand’s all-time leading Test run-scorer (9,276).
- Most Test centuries by a New Zealander (33).
- Most international centuries for New Zealand (48).
- Player of the Tournament, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
- Led New Zealand to ICC World Test Championship title in 2021.
- IPL 2018 Orange Cap winner (735 runs).
- Multiple Sir Richard Hadlee Medals for outstanding contribution to New Zealand cricket.
- Key architect of New Zealand’s semi-final win in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a match-winning 102.
Kane Williamson is a right-hand top-order batter and occasional off-spin bowler for New Zealand, widely regarded for his calm temperament, classical technique, and consistency across formats. He debuted internationally in 2010 and has since become New Zealand’s leading Test run-scorer and the country’s most prolific century-maker. As of September 2025, Williamson has 9,276 Test runs (avg ~54.9), 7,235 ODI runs (avg ~49.2), and 2,575 T20I runs, along with 33 Test and 15 ODI hundreds—the most international centuries by a New Zealand batter. His reputation extends beyond numbers; he is admired for his sportsmanship and tactical acumen, often described as the heartbeat of New Zealand cricket.
Early Life
Born on August 8, 1990, in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty, Williamson grew up in a sporting family and showed outstanding promise from a young age. His father, Brett, played club cricket, while his mother excelled in basketball. Kane, along with his twin brother Logan and three older sisters, was immersed in sports culture. At Tauranga Boys’ College, he captained the school’s first XI, scoring prolifically and earning a reputation for maturity beyond his years. By age 17, he was already representing New Zealand U-19s, showcasing the temperament and technique that made selectors earmark him as a future star.
Personal Life
Williamson is known for his understated leadership style and sportsmanship. Away from the field he keeps a low profile, occasionally speaking about family, community, and balance—attributes often cited by teammates as central to New Zealand’s culture during his tenure as captain. In 2022, he and his partner Sarah Raheem welcomed their first child, and he has often spoken about fatherhood giving him new perspective on life and cricket. Unlike many modern cricketers, Williamson shuns controversy and social media limelight, preferring to let his game and actions speak for him.
Domestic Career
Williamson’s domestic career began with Northern Districts in 2007-08, where he quickly established himself as a dependable run-scorer. His adaptability was sharpened through county cricket stints with Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and Middlesex. In England’s challenging conditions, he honed his ability to play the moving ball late, a skill that would become invaluable in his Test success. In 2025, he also captained London Spirit in The Hundred, broadening his T20 league experience. His domestic performances built the platform for his seamless transition into the international arena, proving his technical solidity and tactical maturity early on.
Test Career
Williamson made a century on Test debut against India at Ahmedabad in November 2010, an early indicator of his long-form pedigree. Over the years, he became the backbone of New Zealand’s batting lineup, leading the team to victories at home and abroad. He has amassed 9,276 runs in 105 Tests with a highest of 251 and 33 centuries, both national records. His Test batting average of 54.88 places him among the greats of the modern era.
One of his crowning moments came in 2021 when he led New Zealand to victory in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final against India. His ability to craft long innings, adapt to varied conditions, and lead by example made him the quintessential Test batter. In March 2025, his semi-final century in the ICC Champions Trophy reaffirmed his enduring value to New Zealand cricket.
ODI Career
Williamson debuted in August 2010 and grew into New Zealand’s ODI fulcrum, compiling 7,235 runs in 173 matches with a highest of 148 and 15 hundreds. Renowned for his ability to anchor innings while accelerating in the death overs, he was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to the 2015 and 2019 World Cup finals. His calmness under pressure and ability to rotate strike made him one of the most dependable ODI batters.
In 2019, he was awarded the Player of the Tournament at the ICC Cricket World Cup after scoring 578 runs and leading New Zealand to a thrilling final. Even in 2025, Williamson remains New Zealand’s go-to batter in crunch matches, blending classic technique with modern innovation.
T20I Career
In T20Is, Williamson has scored 2,575 runs in 93 matches at an average of around 33. While not known for explosive hitting, his role as an anchor has been critical for balancing New Zealand’s line-up. His captaincy was central to New Zealand’s run to the T20 World Cup 2021 final, where he scored 85 off 48 balls against Australia, a knock regarded as one of his finest in the format. His strike rate of ~123 reflects his ability to adapt, rotate strike, and set the stage for big-hitters like Glenn Phillips and Jimmy Neesham.
IPL Career
Williamson’s most memorable IPL season came in 2018, when he led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final and scored 735 runs, winning the Orange Cap. Known for his elegant stroke play and calm leadership, he seamlessly stepped into David Warner’s shoes as captain. He later led SRH in subsequent seasons and, despite battling injuries, remained a reliable contributor. After moving to Gujarat Titans in 2023, he unfortunately suffered an injury in the season opener but returned in 2024. Across his IPL career, Williamson has 2,128 runs in 79 matches at an average of 35.47 with 18 half-centuries.
| Format | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
| Tests | 105 | 186 | 9,276 | 54.88 | ~51.78 | 33 | 251 | |
| ODIs | 173 | 165 | 7,235 | 49.20 | ~81.72 | 15 | 148 | |
| T20Is | 93 | 90 | 2,575 | 33.40 | ~123.09 | 0 | 95 | |
| IPL | 79 | 77 | 2,128 | 35.47 | ~125–130 | 0 | 18 | 89 |
Records and Achievements
- New Zealand’s all-time leading Test run-scorer (9,276).
- Most Test centuries by a New Zealander (33).
- Most international centuries for New Zealand (48).
- Player of the Tournament, ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
- Led New Zealand to ICC World Test Championship title in 2021.
- IPL 2018 Orange Cap winner (735 runs).
- Multiple Sir Richard Hadlee Medals for outstanding contribution to New Zealand cricket.
- Key architect of New Zealand’s semi-final win in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy with a match-winning 102.