Kane Williamson’s return to ODI cricket on Sunday did not go as planned. Like Virat Kohli recently, Williamson was out for a duck in his first match since March. But New Zealand still managed to win, beating England by four wickets in the opening match of their three-match series at Mount Maunganui.
Williamson and Kohli share a unique parallel in their careers. Both returned to international cricket after the 2025 Champions Trophy final between India and New Zealand. Both are now in the final stretch of their careers and have a limited number of appearances. Williamson has a casual contract to represent the Blackcapswhile Kohli’s international appearances are limited to ODI cricket after he retired from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup and from Test cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year. Their recent comeback ducks show that even the best can get off to a slow start after breaks, but both are focused on regaining form ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.
England batted first and were soon rattled. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Zak Foulkes (4/41) and Matt Henry (2/53), reduced the visitors to 56 for 6 in just 12 overs in favorable conditions. Despite the collapse around him, captain Harry Brook played a brilliant innings, scoring 135 off 101 balls with 11 sixes. Jamie Overton added 46 to help England reach 223 all out in 35.2 overs.
In response, New Zealand lost early wickets. Williamson was at zero, following a pattern similar to Kohli’s recent ODI comeback. Michael Bracewell, dismissed early, scored 51 before running out himself, keeping the chase tight. Daryl Mitchell then took control and scored an unbeaten 78 to guide New Zealand home. Mitch Santner added 27 runs to pace the innings. Despite losing four wickets, New Zealand reached the target in 36.4 overs.
Both Williamson and Kohli are clearly eyeing the ODI World Cup 2027. Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar backed Kohli and Rohit Sharma make it in the tournament. Like the Indian pair, Williamson too will look to get the edge in every innings. With the limited options remaining in their international careers, every appearance is of utmost importance. They use these matches to restore rhythm, build confidence and leave a lasting mark on their teams.
Like Virat Kohli in the last ODI of his recent series, Williamson will be looking to bounce back and get between the runs in the second ODI with a lot to play for in this tightly contested series.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
October 26, 2025
