The wait is almost over for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, with the highly anticipated match between Pakistan and New Zealand set to kick off in Karachi on February 19. This tournament, which has been absent from the cricket calendar for eight years, returns with a bang, and New Zealand will be looking to start their campaign on a high note with a win against Pakistan. Given their recent form, it shouldn’t be too difficult for the Kiwis to take down Pakistan on their home turf, especially considering they defeated them twice in the recently concluded TRAI Nation Series.
Kane Williamson, the former New Zealand captain, was in phenomenal form in that series, scoring an unbeaten century and a brilliant half-century. He’ll be looking to replicate that performance against Pakistan, and if he does, he could create history. Williamson recently became the second-fastest batsman to complete 7000 runs in ODI cricket, surpassing Virat Kohli’s record in the process. Now, he has another big feat within his sights.
With 7035 runs in 168 ODIs, Williamson is on the cusp of becoming the third-highest run-scorer in ODIs for New Zealand, a milestone that would see him surpass former Kiwi cricketers Nathan Astle and Martin Guptill. What’s more, if Williamson scores 114 runs in the first match against Pakistan, he’ll become the first player to score 19000 runs for New Zealand in international cricket, a achievement that would cement his status as one of the greatest batsmen to ever don the Black Caps jersey. Currently, Williamson has 18886 runs in international cricket, and this latest milestone is well within his reach.
The list of New Zealand’s highest run-scorers in ODIs is a veritable who’s who of Kiwi cricketing greats, with Ross Taylor topping the list with 8607 runs, followed closely by Stephen Fleming, Martin Guptill, and Nathan Astle. Williamson, with 7035 runs, is hot on their heels, and his next innings could see him leapfrog some of these legends. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and all eyes will be on Williamson as he looks to etch his name into the record books once again.
New Zealand’s top ODI run-scorers include:
– Ross Taylor: 8607 runs
– Stephen Fleming: 8007 runs
– Martin Guptill: 7346 runs
– Nathan Astle: 7090 runs
– Kane Williamson: 7035 runs
As the cricketing world waits with bated breath for the Champions Trophy to get underway, one thing is certain – Kane Williamson will be the man to watch, and his charisma on the field could inspire New Zealand to greatness. The question on everyone’s mind is, can he do it? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure – Williamson has the talent, the skill, and the determination to make it happen. The stage is set, and the world is watching.
