Where does Kane Williamson rank among New Zealand’s top 7 ODI run-scorers against Pakistan?
New Zealand and Pakistan have faced each other 119 times in ODI cricket. Over the years, the Black Caps have won 54 matches, while Pakistan has emerged victorious 61 times.
It has been a fiercely contested rivalry, full of thrilling encounters and memorable performances. Now, as the two sides prepare to renew hostilities in a three-match series, it’s the perfect time to reflect on history.
While many Kiwi batters have had great innings against Pakistan, only five have scored more than 900 career runs against them in ODIs.
Here are New Zealand’s top five ODI run-scorers against Pakistan.
5. Martin Guptill – 952 runs from 24 ODI with a high score of 100 at an average of 45.33
Martin Guptill was one of New Zealand’s most destructive openers in limited-overs cricket. A powerful striker of the ball, he played several crucial knocks against Pakistan.
His only century against them came when he smashed a 100 off 126 balls in Auckland in 2016, leading the Black Caps to victory.
Guptill’s aggressive approach often put New Zealand on the front foot early in matches, and his ability to dominate Pakistan’s bowlers made him a key figure in this rivalry. With an average of 45.33, he was consistently reliable at the top of the order.
4. Martin Crowe – 992 runs from 26 ODIs with a high score of 91 at an average of 45.09
The legendary Martin Crowe was one of the most stylish and technically gifted batsmen of his era. Despite playing in an era dominated by Pakistan’s fearsome bowling attacks — featuring the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Abdul Qadir — Crowe managed to excel against them.
His highest score of 91 came in a tense match where he showcased his ability to construct an innings while dealing with top-quality swing and pace bowling. His near 1,000 runs against Pakistan at an average of 45.09 highlights just how dominant he was in this fixture.
3. Ross Taylor – 1,071 runs from 27 ODIs with a high score of 131 at an average of 63.00
Ross Taylor, one of New Zealand’s greatest-ever ODI batsmen, was a nightmare for Pakistan’s bowlers. His ability to accelerate in the middle overs and finish games with precision made him a match-winner in this rivalry. His highest score of 131* came in 2011, when he played a stunning knock in Pallekele during the ICC Cricket World Cup.
That innings was one of Taylor’s finest performances, featuring explosive hitting against the likes of Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul. Taylor’s average of 63.00 against Pakistan is the highest on this list and given that his overall career average was 47.55, it shows just how much he enjoyed playing against Pakistan.
2. Stephen Fleming – 1,090 runs from 35 ODIs with a high score of 115* at an average of 34.06
A master tactician and elegant left-handed batsman, Stephen Fleming led New Zealand with distinction against Pakistan. His composed batting style made him a reliable presence at the crease, and his ability to anchor innings was crucial for the Black Caps. Fleming’s highest score of 115* came in 2001, a match-winning effort where he paced his innings beautifully.
Though his average of 34.06 is lower than some others on this list, his longevity and leadership ensured that he was always a thorn in Pakistan’s side.
1. Kane Williamson – 1,291 runs from 25 ODIs with a high score of 123 at an average of 53.79
At the top of the list is none other than master batsman Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s modern-day maestro. His exceptional 1291 runs in just 25 matches, at an outstanding average of 53.79, make him the most prolific Kiwi batsman against Pakistan in ODIs.
Williamson’s ability to rotate strike, punish bad deliveries, and construct innings methodically has made him Pakistan’s biggest headache in recent years. His highest score of 123 came in 2018, where he played an absolute masterclass, guiding New Zealand to a commanding position.
What sets Williamson apart is his ability to adapt to different match situations. Whether building a foundation early on or accelerating in the death overs, he has been Pakistan’s most consistent tormentor with the bat.
They will be delighted that he is away in India playing IPL at the moment and that he won’t be there to torment when the series starts in Napier on Saturday.
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