Kane Williamson’s Consecutive ODI Centuries: A Testament to His Brilliance
Cricket is a game of greats, where legends are forged through performances that redefine the history of the sport. One such player who has consistently demonstrated his class and resilience on the field is Kane Williamson, the former captain of the New Zealand cricket team. Despite being one of the most technically gifted and composed batsmen of his era, Williamson has often not received the global recognition he truly deserves. However, his latest feat in the Champions Trophy 2025 has once again proven why he is one of the modern greats of the game.
Kane Williamson’s Masterclass in the Champions Trophy 2025 Semi-Final
In the semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025, held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Kane Williamson played a crucial innings against South Africa. Facing a formidable Proteas bowling attack, Williamson exhibited his usual calmness and impeccable technique to craft a magnificent century. His knock of 102 runs off 94 balls, including 10 fours and 2 sixes, helped New Zealand post a competitive total of over 300 runs, giving his team a strong chance of securing a place in the final.
What made this century even more remarkable was the fact that it was Williamson’s third consecutive ODI century against South Africa. In doing so, he etched his name in New Zealand’s cricket history as the first player to achieve this feat against any team in nearly 52 years of ODI cricket.
The Journey of Kane Williamson’s Consecutive Centuries Against South Africa
First Century – June 19, 2019 (Birmingham)
The journey of Williamson’s consecutive centuries against South Africa began on June 19, 2019, during the ICC Cricket World Cup match in Birmingham. Facing a determined South African side in a crucial game, Williamson led from the front and played a captain’s knock of 106 not out. His innings was instrumental in guiding New Zealand to victory in a high-pressure chase, further cementing his reputation as one of the best finishers in world cricket.
Second Century – February 10, 2025 (Lahore)
After a gap of several years, Williamson continued his dominance against the Proteas on February 10, 2025, in an ODI match held in Lahore. This time, he played an even more commanding innings of 133 not out, showcasing his ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed. His knock helped New Zealand secure a crucial win, reinforcing his importance to the team even after stepping down as captain.
Third Century – June 5, 2025 (Champions Trophy Semi-Final, Lahore)
The third and most historic of the lot came in the high-stakes semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2025. With a place in the final on the line, Williamson once again rose to the occasion, crafting a well-paced 102 off 94 balls. His knock provided the backbone of New Zealand’s innings, ensuring they reached a formidable total against a strong South African bowling attack. This century not only helped New Zealand but also made him the only Kiwi batsman to score three consecutive centuries against a single team in ODIs.
Kane Williamson’s Place Among ODI Legends
While Williamson’s feat of scoring three consecutive centuries against South Africa is exceptional, it places him among an elite group of players who have managed to achieve multiple consecutive centuries in ODIs.
Most Consecutive Centuries in ODIs
Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka) – 4 consecutive centuries (2015)
Kumar Sangakkara holds the record for the most consecutive centuries in ODI history. He achieved this milestone during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he scored four consecutive centuries against Bangladesh, England, Australia, and Scotland.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa) – 3 consecutive centuries (2013)
The South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock achieved three consecutive ODI centuries against India in 2013, showcasing his aggressive stroke play and immense potential.
Babar Azam (Pakistan) – 3 consecutive centuries (2016)
Pakistan’s modern-day batting maestro Babar Azam also holds the record of three consecutive centuries, which he scored against the West Indies in 2016.
Kane Williamson (New Zealand) – 3 consecutive centuries (2019-2025)
By scoring three consecutive centuries against South Africa, Williamson has now joined this exclusive club, further solidifying his reputation as one of the finest ODI batsmen of his generation.
The Significance of Williamson’s Achievement
Kane Williamson’s remarkable consistency against South Africa is not just a personal milestone but also a reflection of his immense value to New Zealand cricket. His ability to deliver match-winning performances on crucial occasions has been a hallmark of his career. Whether leading a chase or building a solid foundation, Williamson’s calm demeanor and flawless technique have been crucial for the Black Caps.
