You look at Kane Williamson, and at the first instance, you don't give him much chance as a T20 batter. Understandably so, in the age of Chris Gayle and Andre Russell, a man with a slight frame and non muscular arms shouldn't generally go for big bucks in various leagues around the world, but Kane Williamson is not only part of the Indian Premier League, the most competitive domestic T20 tournament across the globe, but is currently also the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
He has consistently averaged over 40 since 2017 apart from a blip in 2019 and also possesses a healthy strike rate. Williamson struck at 151 in 2017, at 142 in 2018 and at 133 in 2020.
Williamson does have the power game for the odd shot but it is his timing and placement which trumps the brute force of some of the most successful T20 batters.
A masterclass of that was on display when the stakes were as high as they could get in the final of the 2021 T20 World Cup between Australia and New Zealand.
Apart from Williamson, no other New Zealand batsman could get going on the tricky surface in Dubai where the ball was not coming onto the bat that easily. It was courtesy of Williamson's 85 off 48 balls at a strike rate of 177 with 10 boundaries and 3 sixes that New Zealand posted a 172 run target.
However, Australia showed some brilliance with the bat and denied New Zealand another world cup trophy.
Here's what he said after another close loss:
"We were trying to get a platform and the surface was holding a fraction. But typical here in Dubai. It was nice to build some partnerships and get what we thought was a competitive total. Only to be chased superbly by Australia. They're a fantastic side. We certainly made every effort. Guys came out and committed to their plans. They didn't give an inch really."
"Really proud of our team's efforts throughout. Came here in the final and gave it our best shot but it wasn't enough. Conditions varied a lot from venue to venue but we adjusted well. Nice to get to the big dance. Credit to Australia. Today they really turned it on. High hopes coming into this game. Never nice. Winning and losing are two possible outcomes."
