Kane Williamson becomes first New Zealand batter to reach 19,000 international runs

Legendary New Zealand (NZ) batter Kane Willamson etched his name in history during the second semifinal of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 by becoming the first-ever Kiwi player to reach the 19000-run landmark in his international career. Notably, the Blackcaps are clashing against South Africa (SA), at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on Wednesday, March 4.

The 34-year-old is already sitting at the helm in terms of scoring the most runs for New Zealand across all the formats. Before coming out to bat in the knockout thriller, Williamson required 27 runs to extend his list of records with the latest accomplishment. The Tauranga-born arrived at the crease after Will Young was dismissed by pacer Lungi Ngidi in the eighth over. Initially, he was finding it a little tough to middle the ball with the bat, but after biding some time in the middle, the legendary batter found his batting rhythm en route to yet another fifty in the ongoing Champions Trophy.

Speaking of some legendary New Zealanders, Ross Taylor (18,199 runs) and the former captain, Stephen Fleming (15,289 runs), are the next-best batters with the most runs for the country. In terms of Champions Trophy performances, Fleming had 441 runs to his name from 13 appearances while averaging 33.92. During these games, he scored three fifties.

But on the back of some magnanimous batting, Kane Williamson surpassed the former legend as he scored four half-centuries and a century from 10 matches. He was already looking set for another century in the marquee event for New Zealand and completed his 15th ODI hundred. However, just after four balls, he got dismissed by Wiaan Mulder on 102 after facing 94 balls. His innings was laced with 10 fours and two sixes, respectively.

Also Check- Champions Trophy 2025: Semi-Final 2, New Zealand vs South Africa- Stats & Records at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Pakistan

Most international runs for New Zealand across formats