SL vs NZ: Kane Williamson breaks Virat Kohli’s Test run tally in Galle

On Day 3 of the two-match Test series, New Zealand suffered a devastating defeat to Sri Lanka, but there was cause for celebration for Kane Williamson during the visitors’ second innings at the Galle International Stadium.

Williamson surpassed superstar Indian batsman Virat Kohli in the second session of the day’s play to take the top spot among all Test cricketers in terms of runs scored. Williamson went from 36* to 38* after punching away the opening delivery of the 20th over, which was delivered by rookie Nishan Peiris, past the cover region for a couple of runs. Williamson passed Kohli to take the 19th spot on the list after completing the first run of the double.

Currently in his 115th Test match, Kohli has amassed 8871 runs. In 13 fewer Tests, Williamson (8881) has overtaken Kohli’s total. Peiris personally fired him for 46 shortly after. A soggy outfield has forced the current India vs. Bangladesh Test to be called off. If the match resumes in Kanpur at all, Kohli will have a chance to surpass Williamson as and when he gets his chance.

Comparison of Kane Williamson and Kohli’s performances in the current World T20

Williamson and Kohli, two essential players for their respective national teams, have nearly identical cycles in the World Test Championship in terms of average (50.46 vs 49).

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In the 2023–25 cycle, Williamson has played a few more games than Kohli and has amassed 757 runs in 12 innings. In the meantime, Kohli has amassed 392 runs in eight innings. A few half-centuries have been scored by both of them, with Williamson surpassing Kohli by three tons.