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Cricket is a game of glorious centuries and heartbreaking dismissals, but few moments are as agonizing as when a batter falls in the 90s—just short of a coveted hundred. These dismissals are bittersweet, stirring mixed emotions of anticipation, tension, and eventual disappointment for players and fans alike. While achieving a 90+ score is a commendable feat, the inability to reach three figures often leaves a lingering ‘what if’ for even the most accomplished cricketers.
One such player who has experienced this bittersweet fate multiple times is Kane Williamson, one of New Zealanℱd’s finest batters. Known for his consistency, composur🦹e, and class, Williamson has shown time and again why he is regarded as a modern-day great. However, even he has not been immune to the perils of the nervous nineties.
Kane Williamson’s recent brush with the nervous 90s
In the ongoing first Test against England at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, Williamson added another instance to this list. Returning to Test cricket after sitting out New Zealand’s series against India, the former skipper stepped into the number three position with poise. Following an early dismissal of opener Devon Conway, he partnered with captain Tom Latham to ꧟rebuild the innings, demonstrating his trademark precision and calm under pressure.
As he approached a well-deserved century, the tension mounted. However, in the 61st over, Williamson mistimed a shot and was caught 🌱at point for 93, leaving fans in disappointment as he fell just seven runs short of the milestone.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Kane Williamson’s gritty 93 powers New Zealand before Shoaib Bashir’s late𒐪 strikes aid England on Day 1 of the Christchurch Test
Second-most dismissals in the 90s for Williamson
This🌠 dismissal marked the 14th time Williamson has fallen in the 90s across all formats of international cricket. It is a rare and exclusive record that highlights both his ability to consistently score big runs and the heartbreaking moments where he narrowly missed out on centuries.
For comparison, Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar holds the unwanted all-time record for the most dismissals in the 90s, having been out 28 times during his career. The frequent occurrence of suc🌱h dismissals among cricketing greats underscores the fine margins that define the sport.
A closer look at Williamson’s nervous nineties
- 91 vs England, March 2013 (Test)
- 97 vs Pakistan, December 2014 (ODI)
- 97 vs Sri Lanka, January 2015 (ODI)
- 93 vs England, June 2015 (ODI)
- 90 vs England, June 2015 (ODI)
- 97 vs Zimbabwe, August 2015 (ODI)
- 90 vs Zimbabwe, August 2015 (ODI)
- 97 vs Australia, February 2016 (Test)
- 91 vs Zimbabwe, July 2016 (Test)
- 95* vs Bangladesh, December 2016 (ODI)
- 95 vs India, January 2020 (T20I)
- 94* vs India, November 2022 (ODI)
- 95 vs Pakistan, November 2023 (ODI)
- 93 vs England, November 2024 (Test)
