Kane Stuart Williamson (born 8 August 1990) is a New Zealand cricketer who is currently the captain of the New Zealand national team in limited overs cricket. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.
Williamson was born in Tauranga, New Zealand, to Stuart and Sandra Williamson. He has two older sisters, Sophie and Kylie. Williamson's father was a keen cricketer and played club cricket in Tauranga. Williamson's mother was a basketball player and his sisters excelled in volleyball.
Williamson began playing cricket at a young age and quickly showed his potential. He represented Tauranga Boys' College in the New Zealand secondary school cricket championship and played for the New Zealand Under-19 team in 2008 and 2009.
Williamson made his international debut for New Zealand in a One-Day International (ODI) match against India in November 2010. He made his Test debut against England in March 2011 and his Twenty20 International (T20I) debut against South Africa in September 2012.
Williamson has played 161 ODIs for New Zealand, scoring 6,554 runs at an average of 48.00. He has scored 14 centuries and 41 half-centuries in ODIs. His highest score in ODIs is 140, which he scored against India in 2019.
Williamson has played 87 T20Is for New Zealand, scoring 2,464 runs at an average of 33.27. He has scored one century and 18 half-centuries in T20Is. His highest score in T20Is is 106, which he scored against Bangladesh in 2019.
Williamson has played 94 Tests for New Zealand, scoring 8,124 runs at an average of 55.08. He has scored 25 centuries and 35 half-centuries in Tests. His highest score in Tests is 251, which he scored against Bangladesh in 2019.
Williamson is the all-time leading run-scorer for New Zealand in Tests and ODIs. He is also the fastest New Zealand batsman to reach 3,000 runs and 7,000 runs in ODIs.
Williamson has won numerous awards and honors for his cricketing achievements. He was named the ICC Cricketer of the Year in 2015 and the ICC Test Player of the Year in 2019. He was also named the New Zealand Cricketer of the Year in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021.
Williamson was appointed captain of the New Zealand Test team in 2016 and the ODI and T20I teams in 2017. He led New Zealand to the final of the 2019 Cricket World Cup and to victory in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship Final.
Williamson has been involved in very few controversies throughout his career. One notable incident occurred in 2017 when he was fined by the ICC for criticizing the umpires during a Test match against England.
Williamson is married to Sarah Raheem, a former New Zealand hockey player. The couple have a daughter, Ellexa, who was born in 2020.
Williamson is a devout Christian and is known for his humble and respectful demeanor. He is also a popular figure off the field and has been an ambassador for several charities.
Kane Williamson is one of the greatest batsmen of his generation and one of the most successful captains in New Zealand cricket history. He is a role model for young cricketers and a respected figure by fans and players alike.