NZ’s Williamson retires from T20 internationals

Kane Williamson, a former New Zealand captain, has left the T20 internationals, claiming that it is “the right time for myself and the team.”

The 35-year-old will continue playing one-day international and T20 franchise cricket after participating in the three-test series against West Indies in December.

In 93 T20 internationals, he recorded a strike-rate of 123 and a batting average of 33.44. With 3, 531 points, only Martin Guptill has more points for New Zealand.

In 2021, Williamson led New Zealand to the T20 World Cup final, scoring 85 in Australia’s defeat.

“The next period will be crucial to get cricket into these guys and get them ready for the World Cup because there is so much T20 talent there.”

Mitch [Santner] is a brilliant leader and captain, and he really excelled with this team.

“I’ll be supporting the Black Caps from a distance because it’s their turn to advance in this format.”

India and Sri Lanka will host the T20 World Cup in February.

Williamson made his New Zealand T20 debut in 2011, but he hasn’t played since June 2024.

He is the team’s leading Test run-scorer of all time and fourth on the ODI list, and he is regarded by many as the best batter in New Zealand history.

Williamson had earned the right to decide how he ended his Test and ODI career, according to New Zealand Cricket’s Scott Weenink.

As he nears the end of his distinguished career, Kane has our full support, he said.

There is no denying that he will become a legend of New Zealand cricket whenever he does decide to play for as long as possible.