Kane Williamson was the star for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final, scoring a 48-ball 85 before being caught at long off by Steve Smith off Josh Hazlewood.

Williamson left the stage at 148-4, having led New Zealand’s surge towards a big total after a tame start. At the end of 10th over, New Zealand were 57-2. He took off during the second half of the New Zealand innings, making the joint-highest score in a T20 World Cup final, with a dropped catch by Josh Hazlewood marking the turning point. The chance down at the fine leg rope came with Williamson having scored 22 at a run a ball. The delivery trickled over the rope for four, and the Black Caps captain scored 63 off his next 27 balls before being dismissed.

His knock was praised by one and all.

Kane Williamson is playing one of the greatest innings in cricket history. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) November 14, 2021

One of the landmark features of his knock were the 22 runs he took off Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc, rated as one of the best white-ball bowlers there has been.

Kane Williamson masterclass. What a guy. Just toying with Starc.

— Abijit Ganguly (@AbijitG) November 14, 2021

Some talked about how Williamson switched gears in the second half of the innings.

The sign of a great batsman. Got to love how Kane Williamson has switched gears without a slog in sight. This is a stunning innings. 18(19) then 51(20)

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 14, 2021

The exceptional knock left many in awe of Williamson’s effort.

Kane Williamson doesn't hurt you with power, when he plays well it's like death by a thousand cuts.. literally. What a joy to watch a champion batsman at the height of his prowess come to the party on the big stage. #AUSvNZ #T20WorldCupFinal

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) November 14, 2021

Kane Williamson now 39 off 12 v Mitchell Starc.

— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) November 14, 2021

Win or lose, Kane Williamson is Ethereal #KaneWilliamson #NZvsAus #T20WorldCup

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) November 14, 2021

How on earth did Kane Williamson get that high full toss away for a boundary in front of mid wicket 🧐 #NZvAUS

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) November 14, 2021

A standing ovation for Williamson: 85 off 48, after being 21 off 21, is remarkable. Some luck in there, perhaps, but impish strokeplay too. But NZ still need a strong finish after their labrious start: 149-4 with two overs to go.

— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) November 14, 2021

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