From 'brash' McCullum to Kane Williamson: Five Black Caps who dominated T20Is

Soumyajit Dutta

Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill [Source: @showfit_cricket/X.com]Brendon McCullum, Kane Williamson and Martin Guptill [Source: @showfit_cricket/X.com]

The Black Caps have long been an underrated force in world cricket, having never secured the prestigious World Cup title. Yet, over the years, they have produced several remarkable players whose names are etched in the golden history of the game for their contributions with the bat.

T20Is, the shortest format of cricket, demand quick scoring, clearing the ropes and cracking the whip with the bat. While New Zealand often go underappreciated for producing cricketing legends, here are some of the players who have scored the most runs for the nation in T20 Internationals.

5) Ross Taylor - 1,909 runs

Ross Taylor, one of New Zealand’s all-time great batters, was a reliable anchor across all formats. However, his contributions in the shortest format were equally impressive. In just 102 T20I matches since his debut in 2006, Taylor amassed 1,909 runs at an average of 26.15. He maintained a steady strike rate of 122.37, with a highest score of 63. Over his T20I career, he notched seven half-centuries, hitting 121 fours and 71 sixes.

Notably, Taylor also showcased his talent in the Indian Premier League, representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Delhi Daredevils, extending his brilliance to the T20 franchise circuit as well.

4) Glenn Phillips - 1,929 runs

The 28-year-old Glenn Phillips, a relatively recent name in New Zealand cricket, has gained attention for his superhuman-like athleticism on the field. However, his brilliance with the bat is equally noteworthy. Phillips secures the fourth spot on this list with 1,929 T20I runs from 83 matches. 

Phillips averages 31.11 with a striking rate of 140.59, the highest among the names here. His explosive batting has produced two centuries and ten half-centuries, along with 138 boundaries and 91 sixes. As Phillips continues to shine for the Black Caps, accolades keep pouring in, thanks to his muscular stroke play and trademark reverse pull.

3) Brendon McCullum - 2,140 runs

Brendon McCullum, the current England coach, was a fearless and destructive hitter of the ball in the shortest format of the game. A legendary batter, he redefined the mindset of aggressive batting. In his T20I career, McCullum amassed 2,140 runs from 71 matches at an impressive average of 35.66, maintaining a strong strike rate of 136.21. He registered two centuries and 13 half-centuries, along with 199 boundaries and 91 sixes. 

A naturally explosive striker, McCullum’s contributions to New Zealand cricket remain unforgettable, especially for his fearless approach and his relentless intent to send the ball soaring into the stands.

2) Kane Williamson - 2,575 runs

Kane Williamson, who passed the baton to the younger generation by retiring from T20I cricket on Sunday, November 2, is a monumental figure in New Zealand’s cricketing legacy, especially for his contributions in the shortest format. Williamson played 93 matches, amassing 2,575 runs at an average of 33.44 and a strike rate of 123.08.

Although he never scored a century in T20Is, his 18 half-centuries highlight his remarkable consistency with the bat. With over 240 boundaries and more than 50 sixes to his name, Williamson proved that while he is known for his calm and composed approach, he can effortlessly switch gears and adapt to any situation when required.

1) Martin Guptill - 3,531 runs

The highest run-scorer for New Zealand in T20Is is Martin Guptill, a name etched in the annals of cricket for his explosive batting heroics. Guptill has accumulated 3,531 runs from 122 matches, nearly 1,000 more than Kane Williamson, though he has played more games.

He boasts an average of 31.81 and a strike rate of 135.70. With 2 centuries and 20 half-centuries to his name, along with over 300 boundaries and 173 sixes, Guptill’s elegance and power as a right-handed opener made him one of New Zealand’s most consistent and destructive batters.