Williamson leading the pack
Nineteen year old Northern Knights all-rounder Kane Williamson is proving he’s got what it takes to play at the top level. His recent performances with the bat have propelled him to the lead of the overall One-Day Mitre 10 MVP table, 47 points clear of second ranked Stags bowler, Ewen Thompson.
Williamson has top scored in each of the last five One-Day matches for the Knights with a lowest score of 70 and highest of 108 not out.
Williamson said he is surprised to be ahead of some big names including international stars Yasir Arafat and Ravi Bopara. “I didn’t know until one of the boys told me,” Williamson laughed. “I guess it recognition for good performances and I’m pleased to have made contributions that led to wins.”
With the preliminary final against the Aces this week, Williamson is hoping to continue his fine form. “We’ve got a bit of momentum winning the last three games in a row. I’m really looking forward to the game,” he said. “For me it’s just about going out to bat, watching the ball and playing straight, and being relaxed at the crease.”
Browne secures number one spot in women’s Mitre 10 MVP
White Fern and Northern Spirit all-rounder Nicola Browne dominated with the bat and ball during the women’s domestic one-day and Twenty20 competitions and in turn has secured the inaugural Mitre 10 MVP title for women’s domestic cricket.
Browne struck a match winning111* against the Auckland Hearts in the last match of the One-Day competition to go along with four half centuries in the earlier rounds. She topped the batting averages with an impressive 118.50. With the ball she was economical, taking 3 for 18 against the Hearts in the ninth round of the competition, with an economy rate of 3.78.
Browne is currently competing in the Rose Bowl series against Australia for the White Ferns. She will be awarded her Mitre 10 MVP prize after the White Ferns match against Australia later this month.
Vettori still strong in international MVP
Halfway through the international season, BLACKCAPS captain Daniel Vettori is secure as leader of the overall international Mitre 10 MVP.
After a drawn Test series against Pakistan Vettori has led the BLACKCAPS to victories over Bangladesh in the Twenty20 game and three ODIs played so far.
He took three for six off four overs during the Twenty20 match, and three wickets in first and third ODIs, with an economy rate of 3.33 overall. He has also contributed with the bat, scoring 70 runs from the three ODIs.
He is well ahead on points, with 167.93. His nearest rival is wicketkeeper batsman Brendon McCullum on 96.63, with current BLACKCAPS Ross Taylor and Martin Guptill and retired fast bowler Iain O’Brien making up the top five.
