Kane Williamson continues to grow in stature, Ross Taylor sets record
NEW DELHI: Once again New Zealand showed their rise in class and supremacy after punishing Pakistan in the second and final ODI of the two-match series in Napier on Tuesday. New Zealand rode their way through star sensation Kane Williamson and senior player Ross Taylor as the duo helped the team to post a mammoth total of 369/5 in 50 overs.
New Zealand who are growing in stature ahead of the World Cup, recorded a second highest ODI score against Pakistan as well. South Africa have the highest runs scoring 392/6 at Centurion in 2007.
Kane Williamson’s success with the bat has been monumental and it has elevated the 24-year-old to a higher level in modern day cricket. Williamson scored 112 in the second ODI match against Pakistan and alongside Ross Taylor (102*) was instrumental in setting a launching pad for the hosts.
The duo who were emphatic against Sri Lanka earlier, stitched in a valuable partnership once again on Tuesday. Taylor who scored a half century in the first ODI, notched up his 12th career ton. For Williamson it was his sixth ODI ton and his innings consisted of 14 fours and a six.
The brilliant Williamson had earlier already reached 500 international runs in 2015 in just 25 Days. In the last 12 months, he has averaged over 70 in both Tests and ODIs.New Zealand also have six centurions in just nine ODIs in 2015.
Ross Taylor’s ton was New Zealand’s 100th century by a batsman in ODIs. Taylor also became the sixth batsman to record an ODI 100 in 150th game after the likes of cricket legends Sanath Jayasuirya, Andy Flower, Nathan Astle, Ricky Ponting and present Windies opener Chris Gayle.
New Zealand batsmen are recording some valuable knocks against top oppositions and this will do a lot of good to the players going in for the World Cup. Kane Williamson is the man to look out for in the World Cup as he holds the key of success for the Black Caps.
