The ICC World Test Championship saw batters score eight double hundreds and a few close misses in the 2021-23 cycle. India and Australia will be hoping to add to that total when they meet at the Oval starting June 7.
Williamson finished this WTC cycle with another double century, matching his efforts in the first cycle. This ensured that Williamson has been able to reach the mark more times than any other batter in WTC matches.
The 215 runs scored by the former skipper against Sri Lanka were in the final match in the league stage. Williamson was partnered with Henry Nicholls, a double centurion, in a 363-run stand. They helped New Zealand to achieve a formidable first innings total (580/4), which was enough to secure their victory by one innings and 58 runs.
The left-hander had been struggling with form but vowed to get back to his old self before the Test. He finally recovered his slump with an aggressive innings and a 255-ball double-ton.
The right-hander formed crucial partnerships with multiple batters throughout the knock, which was crucial in Sri Lanka's first innings total of 397.The veteran will regret not playing a premeditated slog on 199 but instead spooning a simple catch for square leg.
After a huge 408 run deficit in the first innings, Pakistan were left chasing 506 runs in the final innings. They were at 21/2 when Babar came out to bat. The skipper fought through every obstacle to score 196 runs off 425 balls, and get Pakistan close to the target.
Although Pakistan didn't win a significant victory, Babar's efforts ensured that the team won a draw that seemed impossible at first. Babar was also awarded the ICC Player of the Month Award March 2022 for his brave innings.
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