Kane Williamson Creates History – First New Zealand Player to Score 19,000 International Runs

Kane Williamson etched his name into the history books during New Zealand’s ICC Champions Trophy semifinal clash against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Kiwi skipper became the first New Zealand batter to cross the 19,000-run mark in international cricket, further cementing his legacy as the country’s greatest run-scorer across all formats.

Coming into the game, Williamson needed just 27 runs to reach this milestone—and he wasted no time. Walking in during the 8th over after Will Young fell to Lungi Ngidi, the elegant right-hander reached the landmark in just 36 deliveries. But that wasn’t his only record of the night. Williamson also became New Zealand’s all-time leading run-scorer in Champions Trophy history, surpassing Stephen Fleming’s tally of 441 runs. He needed just 10 runs to break the record, and given his current form, he made light work of it. 

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Fleming had racked up his runs in 13 matches at an average of 33.92, with three fifties. On the other hand, Williamson overtook him in just his 10th innings in the competition thanks two four half-centuries and a century. And with New Zealand still alive in the tournament, there's every chance he'll add to that tally. Across formats, Williamson has stacked up an incredible 47 centuries and 103 fifties, including 7,122 ODI runs at a staggering average of 49.11, with 14 tons and 48 half-centuries to his name. 

South Africa have also been one of his favorite opponents. In ODIs alone, he has piled up 803 runs from 18 innings against the Proteas at a formidable average of 57.35, including three centuries and as many fifties. With just 73 more runs, Williamson could surpass Chris Cairns (875 runs) to become the second-highest run-getter for New Zealand against South Africa in ODIs, with only Fleming (1,280 runs) ahead of him.  

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