New Zealand has established itself as one of the most consistent teams in international cricket over the past two decades. The Kiwis began the 21st century on a high, clinching the ICC Knockout Trophy (now known as the ICC Champions Trophy) in 2000.
Since then, their journey has been impressive, though they have yet to secure a major trophy. They came agonizingly close to winning the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 but lost the final on boundary count after the Super Over ended in a tie.
New Zealand’s batsmen have played a pivotal role in consistently accumulating runs, putting their team in strong positions to win in ODI cricket.
Explore the top five New Zealand batsmen with the most centuries in ODI cricket.
5. Stephen Fleming – 8 Centuries
The legendary New Zealand captain, Stephen Fleming, retired with eight centuries in ODI cricket. As a top-order batsman for most of his career, Fleming was known for his grit and determination.
Making his debut in 1994, the southpaw scored 8037 runs in 269 innings, with an average of 32.4 and a strike rate of 71.5. He also registered 49 half-centuries in the format.
Fleming’s highest ODI score of 134 runs came against South Africa in Johannesburg during the 2003 World Cup.
4. Kane Williamson – 15 Centuries
Arguably the greatest batsman to have represented New Zealand, Kane Williamson is next on the list with 15 centuries. Debuting internationally in 2010, Williamson was named Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performance in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.
Williamson plays a crucial role in anchoring the New Zealand batting order. His consistency and ability to rotate the strike make him a key asset for the team. Kane has also scored the most Test centuries for New Zealand.
He has accumulated 7,122 ODI runs at an average of 49.11.
3. Nathan Astle – 16 Centuries
Known for his elegant off-side play, Nathan Astle scored 16 centuries in 217 ODI innings. A top-order batsman, Astle often faced fast bowlers during the opening overs of an innings.
The right-hander scored 7,090 ODI runs at an average of 34.92 and a strike rate of 72.64. His last ODI appearance came in 2007 against England.
2. Martin Guptill – 18 Centuries
One of New Zealand’s most prolific ODI openers, Martin Guptill has 18 centuries to his name. He played 195 innings, scoring 7,346 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 87.
Guptill was part of one of New Zealand’s most heartbreaking moments, being run out on the final ball of the Super Over in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 final.
His highest individual score came in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup quarter-final against West Indies, where he smashed an unbeaten 237* runs off 163 balls.
1. Ross Taylor – 21 Centuries
Ross Taylor holds the record for the most ODI centuries for New Zealand, with 21 centuries in 220 innings. He amassed 8,607 runs at an average of 47.55 and a strike rate of 83.22.
Primarily batting at No. 4, Taylor was known for his ability to rotate the strike and hit powerful shots at the end of an innings. His exceptional play against spin, particularly his slog sweep, helped him find success in Asia.