‘I didn’t look overly agile there’: Kane Williamson on his last gasp stretch to reach the crease to win the Chrchurch thriller

Kane Williamson saved the day for New Zealand with a match-winning unbeaten century and his last gasp stretch to secure a thrilling two-wicket win over Sri Lanka on Monday.
Speaking about the winning run, Williamson revealed why he stumbled while completing the run and what was going through his mind.
“I didn’t look overly agile there,” he told reporters.
“And to be honest it was a little bit of an afterthought because I knew the throw would go to Neil’s (Wagner) end and I just sort of thought getting towards the crease maybe I should just throw in a little dive in case and I was kind of in a position to do it.

A thriller in Chrchurch. #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/7hv2j4bEjJ
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 13, 2023
“But you know an amazing game of cricket to be part of and both the teams competed against each other throughout the five days and all results were on the table before going into Day 5,” he added.
It was the second time in as many weeks when New Zealand were part of one of the most tense final days of a test match when at various times both teams had victory in their grasp and even a rare tie seemed possible. Earlier this month they regered a thrilling one-run win over England.
“That’s special for Test cricket. It’s great that we have a couple of those experiences and hopefully you know there’s plenty of people who are enjoying it,” he said.

“Just the calmness at which he does it”. Tim Southee reflects on Kane Williamson’s 121* at Hagley Oval. #NZvSL pic.twitter.com/7KE8H4SyT8
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 14, 2023
“For us as players, it’s been special to be involved with such games or any Test match. But obviously over the five days, you know the competition is fierce and it could have gone either way and it panned out the result with the finest of margins,” he added.
When asked to pick between the best win in the last two Test, the former New Zealand skipper replied: “We just wanted to get across the line as a team, be it of the slimmest of margins.”
Williamson, 32, also cleared the air about his retirement, saying “he is not that old.”

Test hundred number 27 for Kane Williamson. A crucial knock on Day 5 🏏 pic.twitter.com/hRpM9WhP1s
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) March 13, 2023
“Oh you caught be off guard. I am not that old and I am really enjoying the challenges that come in the international game,” he said.
Williamson will represent defending champions Gujarat Titans in the upcoming IPL and he is looking forward to join his new franchise.

“I am fortunate to be part of the IPL over the years. I am excited to join a different team. It will be a different experience for sure,” he said.
When asked to choose between his favourite format, the right-handed batter said: “For me Test cricket is the pinnacle. Growing up, I wanted to play this sport becasue of Test cricket. So for me Test cricket is my favourite format.”