Blackcaps skipper Kane Williamson has taken home the orange cap after finishing as the top run-scorer in this year's Indian Premier League (IPL).
Williamson, who also captains Sunrisers Hyderabad, struck 735 runs on the season at an average of 52.50 and a strike rate of 142.44 in 17 innings.
His run tally is more than 51 runs than his nearest rival, Delhi Daredevils wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant and his eight half-centuries is the most of any player.
Williamson also becomes just the sixth cricketer to score more than 700 runs in a single edition of the tournament, and his total is the third highest ever.
He may not have be able to finish as a champion after Hyderabad were beaten by Stephen Fleming's Chennai Super Kings in the final, but his 47-run performance and typical grace in defeat was well received by pundits and fans alike.
Williamson credited his performance with the bat to selection consistency.
"If you captain, you're playing, so that's something I enjoyed. I was in and out earlier, so nice to contribute this season. You get given a role, and you try to adapt it the best you can. It's a collective effort," he said post-match.
He expressed his obvious disappointment in the loss but couldn't fault his team's efforts.
"You do have to congratulate CSK. It's frustrating, because we played some really good cricket for the large part. Wasn't to be, and they certainly showed their experience. The boys are hurting at the moment, but we've fought hard," Williamson said.
"Every team is trying to find their balance, but no doubt, when we have a quality bowling attack, then it's a great asset. But it's a challenge to get that bat-ball balance. But it does come down to the commitment of the guys, and we can't fault them on that.
"Positive attitude, and when we finally look back, you look at a couple of small moments, but at the end of the day, we congratulate CSK once again."
Newshub.
