Kolkata: Kane Williamson's achievement of reaching a one-day century with a boundary on Wednesday was likely not a first for him. However, the act of shifting across the stumps to scoop a slower off-cutter over the wicketkeeper's head certainly introduced an element of novelty. Equally bold was the shot he played to secure his fifty—advancing down the pitch without fully meeting the ball, yet executing a flick that landed just short of mid-on. These two unconventional shots reflect a genuine intent to surprise the fielding side.

This marks a departure from Williamson's established reputation as a stylist who typically relies on traditional methods. His game has often been characterized by flowing boundaries and calculated singles, avoiding unnecessary risks and operating under the radar. In contrast, players like Virat Kohli command attention even in mundane moments, while Steve Smith is known for his unpredictable batting idiosyncrasies. Joe Root was similarly perceived until he too embraced a more entertaining style of play. Although Williamson's celebration of his century remains understated, the unexpected flair he has recently incorporated into his batting raises intriguing questions.

Why this change now? It is likely due to New Zealand's current needs, especially following impressive performances from Rachin Ravindra and Will Young, who prefer to bat for extended periods. This situation may warrant taking additional risks, particularly when bowlers are least prepared for them. Wiaan Mulder was visibly displeased when Williamson tackled his off-cutter in such a manner, and Kagiso Rabada was left exasperated as Williamson effortlessly manipulated the short fine-leg position with a scoop. In the high-pressure environment of an ICC knockout match, South Africa's composure can easily waver, making these moments feel like decisive blows. “(Kane) keeps doing it,” remarked Mitchell Santner after the match. Indeed, he does.

This captivating rendition of Williamson has been witnessed previously, particularly during the 2021 T20 World Cup final against Australia. With a score of fifty runs and a strike rate of 177, he served as both a Powerplay savior and a middle-overs enforcer, embodying the essence of a one-man army. If one were to rearrange some of those highlights, they would find similar performances from Williamson in World Cups, especially during the semi-finals of 2019 and 2023. However, he has yet to appear in an ODI final. As he finds himself in this situation once more, with the conclusion of his career potentially approaching, Kane is evidently striving to transcend mere capability. He remains reticent about his aspirations, stating, “Regardless of whether it’s my last or not, that’d be nice, wouldn’t it?” when queried about the prospect of concluding on a high note against India.

Regardless of the outcome, Williamson has already established a commendable record. He is the 16th player in history and the first New Zealander to surpass 19,000 international runs, trailing only Kohli (399), Sachin Tendulkar (432), and Brian Lara (433) in this achievement, which he reached in 440 innings. His recent accomplishment of three consecutive ODI centuries against South Africa serves as a timely reminder of his significance, even as he modestly downplays it. “My focus is just trying to go out and do the job for the team,” Williamson remarked when asked if South Africa inspired something exceptional in him. “I’m not totally aware of those numbers. I think there are probably large gaps in between. So, it’s just trying to build partnerships, try and make contributions for the side, and I think everybody sort of shares in that focus, and I guess we bring it back today, and it was a great sort of all-round team performance.”

In contemporary times, individualism often overshadows team spirit; however, like Williamson, New Zealand has never prioritized it. A more profound examination of their journey would reveal the considerable strain Williamson has endured over the years. As captain in 2019, he was often viewed as an underdog, despite the absence of shortcuts in New Zealand’s path to the final. The same narrative persists today.

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