Williamson, who had notched 275 runs in 10 innings this year at an average of 30.55 and a strike rate of 112.7 before the Ireland match on Friday, was further under the scanner after struggling in this edition. He scored a run-a-ball 23 against Australia before notching up eight in 13 against Sri Lanka. A 40 in as many deliveries in the loss against England further led to question marks over his spot in the XI, but he answered his critics in style as he scored 61 in 35 balls against Ireland in a crucial game for the side.

The highlight was his successive boundaries in the 18th over of the innings. He flicked the fourth ball of the over deep mid-wicket to get to his 16th fifty of his career, before edging a shorter delivery for a four. Williamson smacked the next ball, on the middle stump, over deep mid-wicket again to help his side near a competitive target.

Williamson ended his innings with five fours and three sixes and was Josh Little’s first victim en route to a hat-trick. New Zealand finished with 185-6 on the board.

Watch Kane Williamson’s onslaught here:

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