Williamson’s Cup feats lauded
Kane Williamson’s stellar Cricket World Cup saw him named New Zealand men’s one-day international cricketer of the year yesterday.
The Black Caps skipper – named player of the tournament at last year’s global showpiece – led a parade of big names on day three of NZ Cricket’s annual awards with Ross Taylor, Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine also collecting silverware.
Bates won women’s ODI player of the year while Taylor and White Ferns skipper Devine were awarded the respective T20 international player of the year titles.
Williamson was outstanding for the Black Caps in the UK, plundering 578 runs at 82.57 including matchwinning centuries against South Africa and West Indies. He led New Zealand into the final and was lauded for his measured conduct after their agonising defeat to England on boundary countback after a tied Super Over.
Williamson was also named in the ICC’s world ODI team of 2019.
‘‘Kane was simply exceptional at the ICC Cricket World Cup last year,’’ said Black Caps coach Gary Stead.
Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson was worth an honourable mention, snaring 21 wickets at 19 at the World Cup, second only to Australia’s Mitchell Starc (22).
Bates was a clearcut winner of the women’s ODI gong although the White Ferns played just three times in the awards period – all
losses at home to South Africa. Bates scored 142 runs at an average of 42 with minimal batting backup in the 3-0 series defeat.
Devine was a standout in women’s T20 internationals as she built a world record run of six successive half-centuries, mostly in the home series win over South Africa.
In all, Devine scored 429 runs at an average of 71 and strike-rate of 132 in T20 internationals, as the White Ferns went to Australia with high hopes but missed out once again on the T20 World Cup semifinals.
‘‘Our T20 side is at its best when Sophie is scoring runs at the top. She gives others around her the freedom to play their natural game,’’ White Ferns coach Bob Carter said.
Taylor’s revitalised T20 game won him the men’s award as he carved a niche at No 5 for the Black Caps who largely struggled in the shortest format.
New Zealand’s test and ODI record runscorer plundered 330
T20 runs at a strike rate of 130, bookending the India series with half-centuries in a losing cause as the Black Caps were swept 5-0 at home.
Spinner Mitchell Santner was a leading contender, too, snaring
18 wickets at an average of 20.94 and economy rate of 7.54 against Sri Lanka, England and India.
The NZC awards end today with the announcement of the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal for player of the year, with Williamson and Tim Southee the top contenders after memorable performances in ODI and test cricket respectively.