Abraham Benjamin de Villiers, a cricketing prodigy, combines hard work with natural talent. Rising through the ranks, he became one of the world's most versatile batsmen. His debut in 2004 at 20 showcased his potential, and he quickly made his mark with a debut Test half-century and a century against England.
de Villiers' career flourished with numerous milestones, including a record 278 against Pakistan and a double century against India. Known for his innovative batting and solid defense, he became a cricketing sensation. His captaincy post-2011 World Cup was marked by both brilliance and challenges, balancing his role as a batsman and wicket-keeper.
In ODIs, de Villiers was a revolutionary, known for his audacious strokes and record-breaking innings, like his 31-ball 100 against West Indies in 2015. He also excelled in Test cricket, setting records as a wicket-keeper.
In the IPL, de Villiers became a fan favorite with the Royal Challengers Bangalore, known for his consistent performances and partnership with Virat Kohli. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2018, his legacy in cricket, marked by versatility and innovation, remains unparalleled.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand's cricketing gem since Martin Crowe, emerged as a prodigy in his teens. His adeptness against both spin and pace, coupled with a sports-rich family background, paved his way in cricket. Making his international debut in 2010, Williamson's early struggles in white-ball cricket were quickly overshadowed by his century against Bangladesh. His Test debut in India further cemented his prowess with a debut century.
Williamson's consistency surged in 2014, notably scoring five consecutive fifties in an ODI series against India. 2015 marked his ascent to the elite, amassing impressive runs in Tests and ODIs, and playing a key role in New Zealand's first World Cup final appearance.
Appointed captain in 2016, Williamson's tactical acumen and elegant batting style have been highlights, despite a need for improvement in his white-ball scoring rate. His IPL journey, starting in 2015 with Sunrisers Hyderabad, showcased his adaptability, especially in 2018 when he led the team to the final with 735 runs.
In World Cups, Williamson's record is modest, but his memorable 45* against Australia in 2015 showcased his clutch performance. Heading into the 2019 World Cup, expectations are high for Williamson, both as a batsman and a leader, with hopes of him becoming New Zealand's top run-scorer in the tournament.
Cricket fans and analysts are keen to determine who is the superior player between New Zealand's top-order batter Kane Williamson vs AB de Villiers, South Africa's right-handed batsman.
A notable match marking the beginning of their rivalry was the 1st ODI of the South Africa tour of New Zealand in 2011-12, held in Wellington on February 25, 2012.
South Africa won this match by 6 wickets, with de Villiers scoring an unbeaten 106 and Williamson contributing a half-century for New Zealand.
Another key encounter was the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2014-15 in Auckland, where New Zealand triumphed by 4 wickets.
]This article delves into comparing both players to see who stands out as the best between AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson.
AB de Villiers Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
ODI
228
218
39
9577
176
53.5
9473
101.1
25
53
840
204
T20i
78
75
11
1672
79
26.12
1237
135.17
0
10
140
60
IPL
184
170
40
5162
133
39.71
3403
151.69
3
40
413
251
Test
114
191
18
8765
278
50.66
16076
54.52
22
46
1024
64
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
114
5
204
104
2
2/49
52.0
3.06
102.0
0
0
ODI
228
9
192
202
7
2/15
28.86
6.31
27.43
0
0
T20i
78
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
IPL
184
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Kane Williamson Career Statistics
Career Batting Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Not Outs (NO)
Runs (R)
High Score (HS)
Average (Avg.)
Balls Faced (BF)
Strike Rate (SR)
Hundreds (H)
Fifties (50x)
Fours (4s)
Sixes (6s)
ODI
165
157
16
6811
148
48.3
8368
81.39
13
45
624
55
T20i
87
85
11
2464
95
33.3
2005
122.89
0
17
230
57
IPL
77
75
17
2101
89
36.22
1667
126.03
0
18
181
64
Test
96
168
16
8263
251
54.36
16052
51.48
29
33
914
21
Career Bowling Stats
Format
Matches (M)
Innings (Inn)
Balls (B)
Runs (R)
Wickets (W)
BBM
Average (Avg.)
Economy (Econ.)
Strike Rate (SR)
5W
10W
Test
96
67
2151
1207
30
4/44
40.23
3.37
71.7
0
0
ODI
165
65
1467
1310
37
4/22
35.41
5.36
39.65
0
0
T20i
87
12
118
164
6
2/16
27.33
8.34
19.67
0
0
IPL
77
2
18
31
0
0/7
0.0
10.33
0.0
0
0
AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson
Fans and analysts are looking to find out who is the best player between New Zealand’s top-order batter, Kane Williamson vs AB de Villiers, South Africa’s right-handed batsman.
A notable match that’s mark as a starting point of AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson rivalry occurred during the South Africa tour of New Zealand in 2011-12.
Specifically, it was the 1st ODI held in Wellington on February 25, 2012. In this match, South Africa won by 6 wickets with 28 balls remaining.
AB de Villiers played a pivotal role with a masterful run-a-ball 106 not out, leading South Africa to chase down New Zealand’s score of 253 for 9.
Kane Williamson contributed a fighting half-century for New Zealand, but it went in vain against South Africa’s strong batting performance.
The partnership of 129 runs between de Villiers and Faf du Plessis was crucial in swinging the match in South Africa’s favor.
Another significant duels between Williamson vs de Villiers was the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2014-15, held in Auckland on March 24, 2015.
New Zealand won this match by 4 wickets (D/L method) with 1 ball remaining. Grant Elliott played a key innings for New Zealand, while AB de Villiers scored 65* for South Africa.
In this article, let’s take a closer look and comparing on both player, to find out ‘who is the best’ between AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson.
Summary & Key Takeaways
Show
Head to Head Comparison: AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson
Notable Matches:
A significant match in the rivalry was during the South Africa tour of New Zealand in 2011-12, specifically the 1st ODI in Wellington on February 25, 2012, where South Africa won by 6 wickets.
Another notable duel was the 1st Semi-Final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2014-15 in Auckland, where New Zealand won by 4 wickets.
AB de Villiers' Highlights:
Known as "Mr. 360" for his versatile shot-making.
Test career: 8,765 runs, average 50.66, 22 centuries.
ODI career: 9,577 runs, average 53.50, 25 centuries.
T20I career: 1,672 runs, strike rate 135.16.
Holds records for the fastest ODI 50, 100, and 150.
IPL: 5,162 runs, strike rate 151.68.
Kane Williamson's Highlights:
Celebrated for his elegant stroke play and consistency.
Test career: 8,263 runs, average 54.36, 29 centuries.
ODI career: 6,810 runs, average 48.64, 13 centuries.
T20I career: 2,464 runs.
IPL: 2,101 runs, average 36.22.
Comparison of de Villiers vs Williamson:
Career Span and Experience: de Villiers' career (2004-2018) was longer, but Williamson's career (2010-present) is still active.
Performance in Different Formats: de Villiers has higher averages in Tests and ODIs, but Williamson has a higher Test average and more centuries.
Role and Versatility: de Villiers played as a wicketkeeper-batter, while Williamson is known for his captaincy.
Impactful Innings: de Villiers is known for game-changing innings, while Williamson is known for consistency.
Leadership: Both have captained their national teams, with Williamson's leadership especially highlighted in the World Test Championship.
Final Words:
The choice between de Villiers and Williamson depends on personal preference for batting style and team requirements.
de Villiers is celebrated for his aggressive batting and versatility.
Williamson is admired for his technical skill and composure.
Both players have shown excellent leadership qualities, with Williamson's strategic approach earning high praise.
Who Has a Better Performance: AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson?
In the discussion of de Villiers vs Williamson, both are two of cricket’s most celebrated batsmen, each with a unique style and impressive career achievements.
South Africa powerhouse AB de Villiers, known for his explosive batting and versatility, has left an indelible mark on the game.
In contrast, New Zealand’s Kane Williamson is celebrated for his technical proficiency and calm leadership on the field.
Both players have captivated fans worldwide, but who has the better performance between Kane Williamson vs AB de Villiers?
The Highlight of AB de Villiers’ Cricket Career
AB de Villiers, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his ability to play shots all around the wicket, has been a dominant force in international cricket.
His Test career boasts 8,765 runs at an average of 50.66, including 22 centuries. In ODIs, he amassed 9,577 runs at an impressive average of 53.50, with 25 centuries.
Notably, de Villiers holds the record for the fastest ODI fifty (16 balls), century (31 balls), and 150 (62 balls).
His T20I career includes 1,672 runs with a strike rate of 135.16. In the IPL, he scored 5,162 runs, including three centuries, with a strike rate of 151.68, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The Highlight of Kane Williamson’s Cricket Career
Kane Williamson, known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, has been a cornerstone of New Zealand’s batting lineup. In Tests, he scored 8,263 runs at an average of 54.36, including 29 centuries.
His ODI record includes 6,810 runs at an average of 48.64, with 13 centuries. In T20Is, Williamson has accumulated 2,464 runs.
He has been particularly effective in the IPL, scoring 2,101 runs at an average of 36.22, with a highest score of 89, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad and later Gujarat Titans.
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Comparison of Kane Williamson vs AB de Villiers Comparison
The debate over who is the superior cricketer between AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson is a fascinating one, with each player bringing unique strengths to the table.
Here, we going beyond into their careers to compare their performances across different formats.
1. Career Span and Experience
AB de Villiers’ career spanned from 2004 to 2018, while Williamson’s career started in 2010 and is ongoing. This gives de Villiers a longer international career but Williamson is still active.
2. Performance in Different Formats
De Villiers has a higher batting average in Tests and ODIs compared to Williamson. However, Williamson has a higher Test average and more centuries in Tests. In T20Is, Williamson has a higher average, but de Villiers has a more aggressive strike rate
3. Role and Versatility
De Villiers has played as a wicket keeper-batter, adding significant value to his team. Williamson, primarily a top-order batter, has also shown his prowess in captaincy.
4. Impactful Innings
De Villiers is known for his game-changing innings and holds the record for the fastest ODI century. Williamson, while not as explosive, is known for his consistency and ability to anchor an innings.
5. Leadership
Both players have captained their national teams, but Williamson’s ongoing role as a captain and his success, especially in the World Test Championship, highlight his leadership skills.
Final Words on AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson Comparison
Comparing AB de Villiers and Kane Williamson is challenging due to their different playing styles and roles in their respective teams.
De Villiers is renowned for his aggressive and innovative batting, capable of changing the game’s momentum rapidly.
His record-breaking feats in ODIs and consistent performances across all formats, coupled with his dynamic fielding, make him one of the most exciting cricketers to watch.
Williamson, on the other hand, is celebrated for his technical skill and composure. His ability to anchor an innings and play according to the situation has been crucial for New Zealand’s success in recent years.
Kane Williamson has led his team to significant achievements, including the World Test Championship victory.
In terms of statistics, de Villiers has a slight edge in ODIs and T20Is, both in terms of average and strike rate. However, Williamson’s Test record is superior, with a higher average and more centuries.
As captains, both have shown excellent leadership qualities, though Williamson’s calm and strategic approach has earned him high praise.
Ultimately, the choice between AB de Villiers vs Kane Williamson depends on personal preference for batting style and the specific requirements of a team.
