Champions Trophy: Kane Williamson scripts history with fifty against India
What's the story
Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson starred with an 81-run knock against India in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy encounter in Dubai.
He was the lone warrior in New Zealand's run-chase of 250, but the Kiwis lost by 44 runs.
Although the Black Caps couldn't get home, Williamson entered the record books with a resilient knock. He now has the most fifty-plus scores for NZ against India in ODI cricket.
Knock
Williamson's 47th ODI fifty goes in vain
Williamson came in after Rachin Ravindra departed with 17 runs on the board.
The former kept NZ alive by rotating the strike. He shared brief stands with Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, and Tom Latham.
While others failed to deliver, Williamson completed his 47th half-century in ODIs. He conceded his wicket in a desparate attempt to up the run-rate.
Williamson scored a 120-ball 81 (7 fours), falling to Axar Patel. Although skipper Mitchell Santner stepped up, NZ perished for 205.
Record
Williamson breaks tie with Ross Taylor
As mentioned, Williamson now has the most fifty-plus scores for New Zealand against India in ODI cricket.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he broke a tie with Ross Taylor, who retired with 11 such scores.
Nathan Astle remains the only other New Zealand batter with 10 or more fifty-plus scores against India in the format.
Williamson also has an ODI ton against India.
Career
A look at his ODI career
Williamson, one of the most technically sound batters, has raced past 7,100 runs in ODI cricket.
In a career spanning 15 years, the right-hander has racked up 7,122 runs from 171 ODIs at an average of 49.11. His tally includes 14 tons in addition to 47 half-centuries.
Williamson now has 1,228 ODI runs at an average of 45.48 against India.