Kane Williamson's journey to become New Zealand's finest batsman of all time took another upward turn in India on Friday.
The 24-year-old from Tauranga scored the fastest recorded century at the star-studded and lucrative Twenty20 Champions League in Raipur. Williamson took just 49 balls to reach 101 not out against South Africa's Cape Cobras, including eight fours and five sixes, to guide the Knights to the top of their group.
It was the likeable Williamson's first Twenty20 ton at any level. I think he is now our best batsman in all forms of the game. He has taken over that mantle - just - from Ross Taylor, who is still a magnificent player, but Williamson has age on his side and a burgeoning confidence to go with his watertight technique.
He has the best work ethic of any player on the international circuit, according to his coaches and fellow players, and is always striving to improve his game. When he takes over the New Zealand captaincy in 18-24 months, I expect his game will go up yet another level.
The six he hit over long off to bring up the milestone in Raipur was especially significant as it was reminiscent of Martin Crowe at his very best. Crowe is the benchmark for New Zealand batsmen and for an 18-month period in the mid-1980s was rated the number one batsman in the world.
