Top 5 best Test innings of Kane Williamson — The knocks that defined one of cricket's greatest batters

The retirement of Kane Williamson from international cricket in June 2026 marked the end of one of the finest careers in modern cricket. Over 16 years, Williamson etched his name as New Zealand’s highest run-scorer at the international level and one of the most admired batters in the game. He retired with 9,500-plus Test runs, 33 hundreds and a legacy of consistency, class and leadership.

Williamson was never the loudest player on the field, but his bat spoke the loudest. Whether against world-class pace attacks in seaming conditions or top spinners on turning tracks, he consistently delivered innings that were a blend of patience, technique and mental strength. His ability to play in high-pressure situations was part of what made him one of the great test batsmen of his generation and he was regularly among the top-ranked batters in the ICC test batting rankings. 

From one of the first centurions on Test debut in India to marathon double centuries that pulled New Zealand out of trouble, Williamson has several unforgettable innings to his name. Here are the five Test innings that best showcase why he will be remembered as one of cricket's all-time greats.

1. 131 vs India, Ahmedabad (2010)

Making a Test debut in India is difficult enough. Scoring a century on debut against a strong Indian bowling attack is even harder. At just 20 years old, Williamson announced himself to the cricket world with a magnificent 131 in Ahmedabad.

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India had posted 487 in the first innings, leaving New Zealand under pressure. Batting at No. 6, Williamson showed immense calm on the day, employing good footwork and a strong defense against the spinners from India. His 194-run partnership with Jesse Ryder helped New Zealand reach 459 and secure a draw. The innings remains one of the greatest debut centuries by a New Zealand batter.

2. 242* vs Sri Lanka, Wellington (2015)

Williamson's unbeaten 242 at the Basin Reserve was the innings that proved he could dominate a Test match for days. New Zealand were in serious trouble after conceding a large first-innings lead and slipping to 159/5 in their second innings.

What followed was a batting masterclass. Williamson spent more than ten hours at the crease, facing 438 deliveries and striking 24 boundaries. Alongside BJ Watling, he added an unbroken 365-run partnership that completely changed the course of the match. His undefeated double-hundred transformed an expected loss into a memorable 193-run win.

3. 139 vs Pakistan, Abu Dhabi (2018)

The UAE was said to be Pakistan's fortress and the series decider in Abu Dhabi was played on a track that was a seamer's delight and later offered significant assistance to the spinners. New Zealand were struggling after losing early wickets in the second innings. 

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As captain, Williamson produced one of his most valuable knocks. He first scored 89 in the opening innings and then followed it with a brilliant 139 from 283 balls. His calm approach against Yasir Shah and Bilal Asif helped New Zealand recover from 60/4 and build a winning position. Eventually the Kiwis won by 123 runs and with it an historic away series triumph.

4. 200* vs Bangladesh, Hamilton (2019)

By 2019, Williamson was already one of the best batsmen in the world, and his unbeaten 200 against Bangladesh highlighted his ability to dominate attacks once he settled in.

Once New Zealand’s top order had established a firm platform, Williamson ran the show. He made an unbeaten double century off 257 balls with 19 boundaries and batting with complete freedom. His innings powered New Zealand to 715/6 declared, one of the highest totals in the country's Test history. Bangladesh had no answer as New Zealand cruised to victory by an innings and 52 runs.

5. 251 vs West Indies, Hamilton (2020)

Williamson’s highest Test score came against West Indies in Hamilton and is often hailed as the ultimate expression of his focus and endurance.

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Williamson survived the difficult early phase of batting on a pitch that at first helped the fast bowlers before dominating. He spent more than ten hours at the crease, facing 412 deliveries while hitting 34 fours and two sixes. His magnificent 251 formed the backbone of New Zealand's 519 and completely wore down the West Indies attack. The hosts eventually won by an innings and 134 runs, with Williamson producing arguably the finest innings of his career.