‘It’s about contribution, not just strike rates’

Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 45 in Rajshahi Warriors’ Qualifier 2 win at the Bashundhara Cement Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) showed why the former New Zealand captain is one of the game’s most respected batsmen. But beyond the runs, Williamson’s mindset on batting in T20 cricket offers a valuable lesson — it’s not always about how fast you score, but how you contribute to your team’s victory.

“There’s always a lot of talk about strike rates, but it’s more about contribution for the team and trying to win games that’s the most important part,” Williamson said on Thursday.

In the fast-paced world of T20 cricket, players are often judged by their ability to hit boundaries and maintain a high strike rate. Yet Williamson believes that true value lies in adapting to the game situation and playing the role the team needs.

“The game keeps evolving,” he explained. 

“Sometimes you get wickets where a score around 150 or 160 is the target, which requires more batsmanship and patience. Other times, the target might be 230, and you need to play more aggressively. You have to adjust accordingly.”

Williamson’s innings in the qualifier was a textbook example of this adaptability. Coming in at a critical stage, he balanced patience with timely aggression, helping the team chase down their target smoothly.

His partnership with teammate Jimmy Neesham was also key. 

“Neesham came out and played a really valuable innings for the team,” Williamson said. 

This team-first approach goes beyond personal statistics. Williamson emphasized how important it is to support teammates and help them play in their own comfort zones.

“It’s about how you help your side and other players play the way they’re most comfortable,” he noted.

For Williamson, cricket is a collective effort. While individual moments of brilliance grab attention, consistent contributions that help the team win matches are what matter most.

Rajshahi Warriors’ win was a strong team performance, with Williamson’s calm and steady approach setting the tone. Looking ahead to the final, he hopes the team can build on this foundation.

“Hopefully we can build on that again going into the final,” he said.