Kane Williamson, the suave and elegant batsman from New Zealand, has etched his name in cricketing history as one of the finest batters of the modern era. With an unorthodox yet effective technique and a calm demeanour, Williamson has earned the admiration of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
One of the most remarkable aspects of his illustrious career is his ability to convert starts into monumental scores, particularly in the longest format of the game – Test cricket. Let’s delve into the mesmerising world of Kane Williamson’s double centuries and explore the artistry, skill, and resilience that define these magnificent innings.
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Kane Williamson Test Double Centuries List
| Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 242* | Sri Lanka | Wellington | January 3, 2015 |
| 200* | Bangladesh | Hamilton | February 28, 2019 |
| 251 | West Indies | Hamilton | December 3, 2020 |
| 238 | Pakistan | Christchurch | January 3, 2021 |
| 200* | Pakistan | Karachi | December 26, 2022 |
| 215 | Sri Lanka | Wellington | March 17, 2023 |
1. Kane Williamson: 242* vs Sri Lanka in January 2015
The year 2015 witnessed a mesmerising display of batting artistry when New Zealand locked horns with Sri Lanka in Wellington. In the second game of the two-Test series, the stage was set for a battle of wits between bat and ball.
After being dismissed for 221 in the first innings, New Zealand found themselves in a precarious position. It was then that Williamson unleashed his masterclass. Displaying unwavering focus and elegant strokeplay, he crafted an unbeaten 242 runs in the second innings.
The significance of Williamson’s knock cannot be overstated. With Sri Lanka setting a daunting target of 390, New Zealand needed a hero to guide them to an improbable victory. Williamson answered the call with a resounding performance that left the opposition in awe. The Black Caps declared at 524/5, leaving Sri Lanka with a mountain to climb.
In pursuit of a herculean target, the Sri Lankan batsmen succumbed to the brilliance of Williamson and his teammates, getting bowled out for 196. New Zealand clinched a sensational 193-run victory, and Williamson’s innings earned him plaudits from all corners of the cricketing world.
2. Kane Williamson: 200* vs Bangladesh in February 2019
Fast forward to 2019, and Williamson continued to enthral cricket fans with his majestic batting. Facing Bangladesh in Hamilton, he added another double century to his already illustrious resume.
In the first Test of the series, Bangladesh managed to post 234 and 429 in their two innings. However, the stage was set for the skipper’s masterstroke. With New Zealand batting once, Williamson stamped his authority on the game with an unbeaten 200 runs off 257 deliveries, embellished with 19 crisp boundaries.
The significance of Williamson’s innings lay not only in the sheer volume of runs but also in the manner in which he controlled the game. With the Black Caps amassing a mammoth 715/6 declared, Bangladesh found themselves outplayed in every department.
Williamson’s leadership and batting prowess were on full display, guiding New Zealand to an innings and 52-run victory. His performance further solidified his reputation as a batting genius and a captain par excellence.
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3. Kane Williamson: 251 vs West Indies in December 2020
The year 2020 witnessed Williamson’s mastery yet again when New Zealand locked horns with the West Indies in Hamilton. In the first Test of the series, Williamson reached new heights as a batsman by amassing a staggering 251 runs. The West Indies bowlers had no answer to his sublime strokeplay, as he peppered the boundaries with 34 exquisite fours and two towering sixes.
Williamson’s double century was a testament to his ability to dominate top-quality bowling attacks. The Black Caps, declaring at 519/7 in their first innings, set the West Indies an insurmountable challenge.
The Caribbean side failed to rise to the occasion and could only muster scores of 138 and 247 in their two innings. As a result, New Zealand clinched a comprehensive victory by an innings and 134 runs, with Williamson’s monumental innings playing a pivotal role in their triumph.
4. Kane Williamson: 238 vs Pakistan in January 2021
When Pakistan toured New Zealand for a two-Test series in the 2020-2021 season, Williamson once again proved to be a thorn in the side of the opposition. In the second Test at Christchurch, he crafted yet another double century, leaving the Pakistan bowlers in disarray. New Zealand batted once and declared at 659/6, with Williamson scoring a magnificent 238 runs adorned with 28 delightful boundaries.
Williamson’s innings showcased his ability to build marathon partnerships and anchor the innings with remarkable composure. The Pakistan bowlers toiled hard, but they were unable to breach Williamson’s fortress.
In reply, Pakistan’s batting wilted under pressure, as they managed scores of 297 and 186. The hosts secured a resounding win by an innings and 176 runs, with Williamson playing a monumental role in their success.
5. Kane Williamson: 200* vs Pakistan in December 2022
New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan in December 2022 witnessed yet another extraordinary performance from Williamson. In the first Test of the series, held in Karachi, he etched his name in the record books once more. After Pakistan posted a commendable total of 438 runs in their first innings, the onus was on Williamson to lead the charge.
True to his reputation, Williamson produced a batting masterclass, notching an unbeaten double century. With New Zealand declaring at 612/9, Williamson’s contribution of 200 not out played a pivotal role in setting a challenging target for the hosts. Pakistan, in a bold move, declared at 311/8 in their second innings, setting up an intriguing chase for the Kiwis.
In a breathtaking contest, New Zealand was poised to achieve a historic victory. With just 138 runs needed in 15 overs, the match was on a knife’s edge. Unfortunately, the contest ended in a thrilling draw, but Williamson’s innings once again demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure and dictate the course of the game.
6. Kane Williamson: 215 vs Sri Lanka in March 2023
The most recent gem in Williamson’s crown of double centuries came against Sri Lanka in March 2023. In the second Test at Wellington, Williamson produced yet another batting exhibition that left fans in awe. In the first innings, New Zealand declared at 580/4, setting a daunting target for Sri Lanka.
True to his nature, Williamson displayed unmatched composure and poise. Crafting a masterful 215 off 296 deliveries, he orchestrated a symphony of elegant strokes and impeccable footwork. With 23 exquisite boundaries and two towering sixes, he ensured that the Sri Lankan bowlers toiled in vain.
Sri Lanka’s batsmen struggled against the New Zealand attack, getting bundled out for 164 and 358 in their two innings. Williamson’s monumental double century, along with the bowlers’ collective effort, led New Zealand to a commanding innings and a 58-run victory.
Final Words
Kane Williamson’s double centuries are a manifestation of cricketing brilliance. They epitomise the perfect blend of skill, elegance, and mental strength that has defined his batting. In each of these monumental innings, Williamson demonstrated his ability to take charge and single-handedly turn the tide of the game.
Moreover, his double centuries have played a crucial role in leading New Zealand to numerous victories, both at home and abroad. As the captain of the side, Williamson displayed exemplary leadership and a commitment to excellence. His presence at the crease evokes confidence in his teammates.
