Champions Trophy: Kane Williamson reflects on NZ's rivalry with Pakistan
What's the story
New Zealand cricket team captain, Kane Williamson, has reminisced his memories of past matches against Pakistan.
This is as the two teams gear up for their opening match in the Champions Trophy on Wednesday.
The Kiwis have previously beaten Pakistan twice in an ODI tri-nation series.
In a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Instagram, Williamson revisited his spectacular catch that dismissed Pakistani opener Abdullah Shafique during the 2023 World Cup in India.
Catch recap
Williamson's spectacular catch: A moment to remember
The video captures Williamson's stunning diving catch to dismiss Shafique.
He described the experience as focusing on what's important and getting there as quickly as possible.
"In the moment, you're just trying to focus on what's important, where you need to be and try to get there as quickly as possible and keep your head nice and still," he said.
Despite nursing a finger injury, Williamson managed this feat of athleticism with determination.
Match memory
Williamson recalls high-stakes clash with Pakistan
Williamson also reminisced about a high-stakes clash between New Zealand and Pakistan in the 2023 ODI World Cup in Bengaluru.
Despite New Zealand's remarkable 401/6, courtesy of Rachin Ravindra's fiery 108(94), Pakistan clinched a 21-run win via the DLS method due to rain interruption.
"An incredible game that actually. Rain-affected, and we ended up getting 400, and then the shortened match, Pakistan chased it down," he recalled.
Past triumphs
Recent victories boost NZ's confidence
In recent matches, New Zealand defeated the Champions Trophy defending champions twice in a week.
During the ODI tri-nation series, Glenn Phillips's unbeaten 106-run blitzkrieg helped the Kiwis to a comfortable 78-run victory.
In the final match of that series, they chased down a modest target of 243 runs in Karachi, taking home the title.
These victories will boost New Zealand's confidence ahead of their match against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy opener on Wednesday.
Information
Williamson's ODI numbers versus PAK
Williamson has superb numbers against Pakistan and is the top scorer in Pakistan vs New Zealand ODIs. From 24 matches, he has scored 1,290 runs at a sensational 56-plus average. He has hit three tons and 8 fifties with the best of 123.
Do you know?
H2H record between the two teams
Pakistan and New Zealand have met each other in 118 ODIs. Pakistan have won 61 matches. New Zealand have won 53 games. 1 game has been tied whereas three matches have not had any results.