Kane Williamson scripts history, leaves behind Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar in elite list with masterful century against South Africa in Tri series

Kane Williamson scripts history, leaves behind Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar in elite list with masterful century against South Africa in Tri series
New Zealand's Kane Williamson (L) and India's Virat Kohli in frame

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Kane Williamson left behind Virat Kohli in elite list after a brilliant century against South Africa

Kane Williamson became the second fastest batter to notch 7000 ODI runs

Kane Williamson scripted history after cracking a magnificent century against South Africa in the second ODI of the Tri-series on February 10. With this Kane Williamson achieved a massive ODI milestone. Notably, the former Kiwi captain scored his first ODI century in five and a half years to catapult New Zealand in the Tri-series finale with a dominant win against South Africa in the tri-series, which also includes Pakistan.

Kane Williamson surpasses Virat Kohli in elite list

Williamson's unbeaten 133 runs off 113 balls led New Zealand to a clinical six-wicket victory over the Proteas, successfully chasing down a target of 305 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This win also secured New Zealand's place in the tri-series final as they remain undefeated after two matches.

Kane Williamson becomes 2nd fastest to 7000 ODI runs 

During his innings, Williamson also notched a massive record as he surpassed the 7000-run mark in ODI cricket. He has made history by becoming the fastest New Zealand batter, and the second fastest overall, to reach this milestone. Heading into the match against South Africa, Williamson had 6868 runs in 158 innings and needed 132 runs to reach 7000. He achieved this feat in style, hitting the winning runs with a four off Senuran Muthusamy when only one run was required for the win.

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Williamson has surpassed several cricketing giants, including Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, to become the second-fastest player to reach 7000 ODI runs. He achieved this milestone in 159 innings, while Kohli took 161 innings and Tendulkar required 189 innings to reach the same mark. Hashim Amla remains the fastest to the milestone, having reached 7000 ODI runs in just 150 innings.  Previously, Martin Guptill held the record for the fastest New Zealander to 7000 ODI runs, reaching the mark in 186 innings. 

Quickest batters to 7000 ODI runs:

1 - Hashim Amla: 150 innings
2 - Kane Williamson: 159 innings
3 - Virat Kohli: 161 innings
4 - AB de Villiers: 166 innings
5 - Sourav Ganguly: 174 innings

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Meanwhile, New Zealand have stormed into the final of the tri-series final after notching wins over both Pakistan and South Africa. Their earlier win against Pakistan saw them comfortably defend a total of 330, defeating the Men in Green by 78 runs. The final spot in the final will be contested between Pakistan and South Africa in their upcoming match. Currently, South Africa holds second position in the three-team table with a net run rate (NRR) of -0.249, while hosts Pakistan sit in third place with an NRR of -1.560.