Tag: Kane Williamson

MIRPUR: James Neesham’s brisk knock and Kane Williamson’s composed innings, complemented by Binura Fernando’s four-wicket haul propelled Rajshahi Warriors into the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) 2025-26 final with a victory over Sylhet Titans here at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 166, Titans’ batting lineup struggled and could eventually muster 153-8 at the end of their innings.

Binura Fernando inflicted a poor start on Titans as they lost the opener, Zakir Hasan and Ariful Islam for a duck.

As a result, Sylhet Titans were reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs.

Following the early hiccup, Parvez Hossain Emon and Sam Billings put the chase back on track with a 69-run partnership.

The duo brought the total to 76 until the 10th over of the game when a miscommunication between both batters resulted in a runout.

The well-set batter Emon had to go after scoring 48 from 34 balls, which included two sixes and five fours. With this wicket, Rajshahi Warriors sniffed an opening.

The game turned on its head in the 12th and 13th over when Moeen Ali and Sam Billings were sent back to pavilion. Moeen made seven while Billings made 37 from 28, featuring three fours and a six.

As a result, Sylhet Titans slumped to 107-5 in 13.2 overs with Afif Hossain and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at the crease.

The duo tried to arrest the slide, adding a brief 19-run partnership. Yet they were dismissed in quick succession, with the asking rate soaring.

Therefore, with wickets tumbling at the end, Sylhet Titans required 24 off the last over. But Binura Fernando held his nerve and conceded just 11 runs to guide Rajshahi into the final.

For Rajshahi Warriors, Binura Fernando starred with the ball and picked up a four-wicket haul.

Earlier, put into bat first, Rajshahi Warriors scored 165-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

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Sahibzada Farhan and Tanzid Hasan provided a rapid start, adding 41 in 4.4 overs. Farhan hit four boundaries and a six before getting caught.

Despite the wicket, Tanzid kept the scoreboard ticking until his departure in the sixth over. He made 32 off 15, striking four sixes and a four.

After a solid start, Rajshahi Warriors stuttered in the middle as they lost three quick wickets in the ninth and 10th over.

Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (7) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0) were dismissed on consecutive deliveries, which was followed by another wicket of SM Meherob (0).

As a result, Rajshahi Warriors were reduced to 80-5 in 10.3 overs.

With the Warriors in dire straits, the New Zealand duo of Williamson and James Neesham held the innings together with a 77-run partnership.

Kane Williamson played the second fiddle while Neesham remained the core aggressor.

The pair took the total to 157 in 18.5 overs as Neesham departed after scoring 44 from 26 balls, striking two sixes and four boundaries.

Meanwhile, Williamson remained unbeaten on 45 from 38 with the help of two sixes and a boundary.

For Sylhet Titans, Salman Irshad topped the wicket charts with three wickets to his name.

The tournament final will be played between Chattogram Royals and Rajshahi Warriors on 23 January at the same venue.

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New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson has hinted that a decision about his future will be made on a series-by-series basis following a dominant batting display by the Black Caps against the West Indies here at the Bay Oval on Sunday in the third and final Test match of the series.

The 35-year-old Williamson is currently playing in a three-match series against West Indies and has been in decent touch.

Overall, he has amassed 9,461 Test runs to his name at a staggering average of 54.7 in 108 Test matches.

West Indies will require an uphill task on the final day of the tour, with 419 runs to win and 10 wickets in hand.

Meanwhile, it’s still unconfirmed whether ace batter Williamson will play Test cricket again, as he will be heading to South Africa for the SA T20 with his family upon the conclusion of the tour.

Speaking after the fourth day’s play, Williamson, who is inthe twilight of his career, revealed his thoughts on playing for New Zealand in the future.

“As you get to the latter stages (of your career), those thoughts certainly enter your mind,” he said.

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“It’s almost series by series,” Williamson said on playing for New Zealand nowadays.

Moving forward, the Black Caps will play their next Test match against Ireland in May 2026, which will be followed by a three-match series against England.

The 35-year-old termed the England and Australia tours challenging, noting that the challenges would be addressed as they come.

“We’ll just cross those bridges as they come.” “Going to England and Australia are really mouth-watering prospects and a great opportunities because they are tough tours,” Williamson explained.

He also turned down the upside of the game and stated that he never played for personal milestones.

“I’ve never used this team for my own personal gain,” he continued.

“I know cricket’s saturated in stats, but you’re wanting to go out and contribute to a team that you care about, so whatever runs you get aren’t really yours, they’re for the team,” Williamson concluded.

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New Zealand batting talisman Kane Williamson returns to the Test arena for the first time in a year to bolster the hosts’ line-up in the first Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, which begins Tuesday.

The 35-year-old sat out New Zealand’s only other Tests this year — a 2-0 series win in Zimbabwe in August — but has a formidable Test record against the West Indies.

From seven home innings, he averages 72.57, while over 10 innings in the West Indies, the figure is an impressive 51.33.

One of the greatest batsmen of his generation, Williamson has a career average of 54.88 from 105 Tests, with 33 centuries.

He scored 156 against England in his last Test innings at Hamilton in December last year.

West Indies captain Roston Chase said Monday there was only one way to quell Ken Williamson.

“Patience. I would say the most important thing is patience,” Chase said as his West Indies team went through their final practice.

The West Indies face a monumental task. They have not won a Test in New Zealand since 1995 and lost both the Twenty20 and ODI series last month.

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“We want that win,” said Chase, who believes his side can end that 30-year win drought. “We don’t want to be on the bad side of history all the time.

“I mean, we fought well in the two white-ball series, and I just think if we can learn a bit faster and adapt a bit faster, especially with problem solving, we can get over the line with the red ball for sure.”

While the Test opens New Zealand’s campaign in the new edition of the World Test Championship, the West Indies have already played five in recent months without success, losing 3-0 to Australia and 2-0 to India.

The recent lack of five-day cricket for New Zealand, whose previous outing before Zimbabwe was that home series against England a year ago, did not faze captain Tom Latham.

“For us it’s about trying to hit the ground running and try to get into the mode of Test cricket as quick as we can,” he said.

“And if we do that, hopefully that gives us a good chance at the back end of the match.”

Christchurch’s Hagley Oval presented a green wicket on the eve of the Test on Monday.

It led Latham to predict that “it will be no different” from previous Tests at the venue where the team that wins the toss elects to bowl first.

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AUCKLAND: New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has named seasoned batter Kane Williamson in the 14-man Test squad on Monday to face the West Indies in a three-match series next month.

The 35-year-old former captain, New Zealand’s record Test run scorer, retired from T20 internationals earlier this year and sat out the two-Test series away to Zimbabwe in July-August.

“Kane’s ability on the field speaks for itself, and it will be great to have his skills as well as his leadership back in the Test group,” head coach Rob Walter said.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell was included and is expected to be fit after suffering a minor groin injury in the first ODI against the West Indies eight days ago.

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Pace bowler Zak Foulkes, who made his debut in the second Test against Zimbabwe with match figures of 9-75, is included in the pace attack with Jacob Duffy, who won his first Test cap in the same match.

Blair Tickner returns to the Test side for the first time since 2023, following back-to-back player of the match performances in the recent one-day international series against England.

The first Test begins in Christchurch on December 2. The series moves on to Wellington on December 10 with the final Test at Mount Maunganui on December 18.

New Zealand squad for West Indies Tests

Tom Latham (c), Tom Blundell, Michael Bracewell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Blair Tickner, Kane Williamson, Will Young

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New Zealand batting great Kane Williamson announced his retirement from Twenty20 internationals on Sunday, saying the team needed “clarity” ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Williamson will depart the shortest format as his country’s second-highest run-scorer, tallying 2,575 runs from 93 matches, including 18 half-centuries, at an average of 33.4.

He captained New Zealand to the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup – where he scored 85 in a losing cause against Australia – and to semi-final appearances in 2016 and 2022.

Williamson relinquished the captaincy in both white ball formats when signing a “casual” contract with NZ Cricket, allowing him to pick and choose his availability.

Last week, the 35-year-old confirmed that he would be cutting back on his international commitments to focus more time on his young family and playing in professional white-ball leagues.

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“It’s the right time for myself and the team. It gives the team clarity for the series moving forward and ahead of their next major focus, which is the T20 World Cup,” Williamson said in a statement.

“There’s so much T20 talent there, and the next period will be important to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup.”

Williamson will miss the home T20 series against the West Indies starting on Wednesday and has also made himself unavailable for the subsequent ODI series.

However, he will be available for three Tests against the tourists in December, where he will look to add to his New Zealand record 9276 runs in the longest format.

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Weenink said Williamson had earned the right to determine how he plays out the rest of his international career.

“We’ve made it clear to Kane he has our full support as he reaches the back end of his illustrious career,” Weenink said.

“We would, of course, love to see him play for as long as possible, but there’s no doubt whenever he does decide to finally call time, he will go down as a legend of New Zealand cricket.”

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Batting great Kane Williamson says a changed “life situation” will reduce his availability for New Zealand as he prepares for his first international match since March.

Former captain Williamson will take part in the three-match ODI series against England starting in Mount Maunganui on Sunday, having been unavailable for New Zealand in any format since they lost the final of the Champions Trophy against India in March.

In that period, the 35-year-old, arguably his country’s finest batsman, missed a Test series in Zimbabwe and the home T20I series this month against Australia and England.

Speaking ahead of the England series, Williamson said his international availability is limited by a desire to spend more time with his young family, as well as play in lucrative professional leagues.

“As your life situation changes, as mine has, the balance between where you spend your time and give your attention is really, really important,” Williamson told New Zealand Cricket.

“So still being able to play for New Zealand and play the sport that I love at the highest level is great. But the balance is the most important thing for me.”

Since his debut in 2010, Williamson has scored 9,276 Test runs at an average of 54.88 to be comfortably New Zealand’s most prolific batter.

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He has gradually reduced his commitments over the last two years, relinquishing the captaincy in all formats. His “casual” contract with the national body requires him to commit to only certain series and tournaments.

Kane Williamson has spent much of this year in England, where he was captain of London Spirit in the men’s Hundred competition, as well as playing for Middlesex.

He is yet to play under new national coach Rob Walter, but has spoken with him extensively about availability.

“It’s just an ongoing communication with New Zealand Cricket and with Rob, and I’m grateful for that,” Williamson said.

“It’s a lot about the balance, with family and time away, but also the delicate balance of being a part of this team that I’ve really loved and enjoyed for such a long period of time.”

Williamson is one of five Black Caps on casual playing agreements with New Zealand Cricket, including Lockie Ferguson, Devon Conway, Finn Allen and Tim Seifert.

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Veteran batter Kane Williamson has been ruled out of the upcoming home T20I series against England as he continues to recover from a minor medical issue, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) confirmed on Sunday.

The 35-year-old, who last represented the Black Caps in the Champions Trophy final against India in March, is expected to be available for the subsequent ODI series against the same opposition later this month.

Williamson, currently on a casual NZC contract, had earlier opted out of the T20I series against Australia and the Zimbabwe tour to fulfil county commitments with Middlesex in The Hundred.

Head coach Rob Walter revealed that Williamson’s recovery required a bit more time, emphasizing that the decision was precautionary.

“He’s obviously a world-class player, and we’re hoping these two weeks will ensure he’s ready for the ODIs against England and the following tour by the West Indies,” Walter said in a statement.

In Williamson’s absence, Mitchell Santner returns from abdominal surgery to lead the side.

However, New Zealand have been dealt a fresh setback with fast bowler Ben Sears ruled out due to a left hamstring tear sustained in training. Sears is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks.

Rachin Ravindra, who missed the T20I series against Australia after suffering a facial injury during fielding practice, makes his comeback.

New Zealand’s injury list remains lengthy, with Finn Allen (foot), Adam Milne (ankle), Will O’Rourke (back), Glenn Phillips (groin), and Lockie Ferguson (hamstring) all unavailable.

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With wristspinner Ish Sodhi missing out, Ravindra joins Santner and Michael Bracewell as part of the spin trio. Mark Chapman could also offer part-time left-arm spin if required.

Walter praised Santner’s leadership and welcomed Ravindra’s return.

“It’s great to have Mitch back. He’s not only our leader but also one of the best white-ball spinners in the world. Likewise, it’s nice to welcome back Rachin, who was unlucky to miss out on Australia and is really excited for this series,” he said.

Veteran allrounder Jimmy Neesham, who recently turned 35, keeps his spot after impressing with figures of 4 for 26 in the third T20I against Australia.

Neesham reiterated his ambition to represent New Zealand at the 2026 T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka.

“I want to win a World Cup for New Zealand, and that’s the reason I’m still playing,” Neesham said. “Selection ahead of the tournament is out of my hands, but I’ll stay ready and perform when called upon.”

The three-match T20I series against England begins at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on October 18, with the second fixture at the same venue on October 20.

The final match will be played in Auckland, followed by the ODI series from October 26 to November 1, where Williamson could mark his return at his home ground, Bay Oval.

New Zealand T20I Squad

Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Zak Foulkes, Matt Henry, Bevon Jacobs, Kyle Jamieson, Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Rachin Ravindra, Tim Robinson, Tim Seifert (wk).

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AUCKLAND: New Zealand have named a 15-member squad, excluding ace batter Kane Williamson, for the upcoming two-match Test series against Zimbabwe, slated to commence from July 30 in Bulawayo.

The squad, which is not part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), features some new faces alongside the return of several experienced players.

Among the notable absentees from the squad are Black Caps stalwart Williamson and off-spinner Michael Bracewell.

Kane Williamson is unavailable for the series due to his county commitments. Following his stint with Middlesex, the batting maestro will feature in the Hundred, representing the London Spirit.

Meanwhile, Bracewell, who is currently featuring in the Major League Cricket (MLC) in the USA, will also feature in the Hundred. The off-spinner is picked by Southern Brave for £200,000 according to a statement given by New Zealand Cricket board.

New Zealand head coach Rob Walter shed light on both players’ absence from the squad, noting that he respects the duo’s decision.

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Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” Walter said.

He added, stating that, “While all Test matches are hugely special and important, the fact that these Tests aren’t part of the ICC World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.”

The new-look pace attack of New Zealand will be spearheaded by Matt Henry, while Will O’Rourke, Nathan Smith, Jacob Duffy, and Matthew Fisher will provide ample support with raw pace.

The 25-year-old Fisher has been added to the New Zealand squad for the first time, as Kyle Jamieson, who is awaiting the birth of his first child, is unavailable. Apart from Jamieson, Ben Sears is also not available due to an injury.

Henry Nicholls has returned to the Test squad after two years on the back of excellent domestic form, while left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel is also in the squad after returning from an injury.

New Zealand Test squad

Tom Latham (capt), Tom Blundell (wk), Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

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Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has expressed his admiration for the Pakistan Super League (PSL), stating that he is impressed by the talent and depth in the league. 

The seasoned right-hander, who joined Karachi Kings after being picked in the supplementary category, spoke about his experience in PSL during an exclusive interview with ARY News.

Kane Williamson expressed his joy at being part of the PSL for the first time after hearing so many positive things.

“It’s great to be here and experience the PSL after seeing it from afar and heard a lot of really good things,” he said.

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Williamson lauded the talent pool in the PSL while stressing the need for Karachi Kings’ to carry on their winning momentum.

“You see the depth of quality here. So it’s great to be a part of it. We have a strong team that’s looking to keep improving, so hopefully we can do so in the remaining matches, ” he said.

The 34-year-old commented on Karachi Kings’ narrow loss against Quetta Gladiators, admitting that there are certain areas for improvement that they had worked on.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“The team largely is playing really well, and to be honest for the probably 75 per cent last game, we were right on top, and you know, there are areas we want to improve on from that game and those conversations have been had, so hopefully we can go out and put together strong performances,” said Williamson

The veteran batter also shed light on his role with the Karachi Kings, stating that his focus is on adding value wherever possible.

“My role is just like adding value wherever I can, and like I say, it’s very nice to be here, ” he concluded.

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will return to the field on May 1, facing Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

The Kings will then take on Lahore Qalandars on May 4 and Peshawar Zalmi on May 8, before concluding their group stage campaign against defending champions Islamabad United on May 10.

Under the leadership of David Warner, the Kings currently sit fourth on the points table, with three wins from six matches in PSL 10.

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Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has revealed his favourite Pakistani foods while sharing his excitement about representing Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The seasoned right-hander, who joined Karachi Kings after being picked in the supplementary category during the PSL 10 draft, spoke about his experiences in Pakistan during a recent appearance on ARY News’ Bakhabar Savera.

Reflecting on his return to the country following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Williamson said he was looking forward to donning the Karachi Kings jersey.

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“We have got Warner as captain, who I know well and have played a lot with. I am looking forward to joining him again and the other team members that we have on the side,” Kane Williamson shared.

When asked about Pakistani cuisine, the former New Zealand captain fondly mentioned biryani and paratha as his favourites.

“A favourite of mine and one that I have had on a number of occasions would be biryani. The breads over here are outstanding. You have got to be careful if you have too many of them. So, I love a bit of paratha,” he said with a smile.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The warm words of Kane Williamson have further strengthened the bond between fans and the Karachi Kings squad, with supporters excited to see the Kiwi maestro in action during the crucial second half of the tournament.

Karachi Kings will return to the field on May 1, facing Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Kings will then take on Lahore Qalandars on May 4 and Peshawar Zalmi on May 8, before concluding their group stage campaign against defending champions Islamabad United on May 10.

Under the leadership of David Warner, the Kings currently sit fourth on the points table, with three wins from six matches in PSL 10.

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