Kane Williamson, Suzie Bates claim top New Zealand honours

The awards were presented online for the first time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.Williamson was outstanding for the Black Caps in the World Cup 2019, plundering 578 runs at 82.57 including matchwinning centuries against South Africa and West Indies.He led New Zealand into the final and was lauded for his measured conduct after their agonising defeat to England on boundary countback after a tied Super Over.

"Kane was simply exceptional at the ICC Cricket World Cup last year. He can be extremely proud of what he achieved at the tournament in the UK. He scored his runs at crucial times, in crucial matches and he set a tempo throughout the tournament that allowed us to play some superb cricket," said Black Caps coach Gary Stead.
Bates won the women's ODI Player of the Year award having made two half-centuries in three matches against South Africa, the only series in the format for New Zealand in the last 12 months.

Experienced batsman Taylor picked up the men's T20 Player of the Year award for his exceptional performances in the shortest format. He performed consistently in New Zealand's last three T20I series against Sri Lanka, England and India.

Veteran batsman Taylor scored 330 runs at a strike-rate of 130 to take home the honour in the shortest format of the game.

White Ferns captain Devine was the standout performer in women's T20Is, achieving a world record of six successive half-centuries in the format. She scored 429 runs in eight matches at an average of 71.50.

"Our T20 side is at its best when Sophie is scoring runs at the top. She gives others around her the freedom to play their natural game. Sophie's ability with the ball in T20 cricket goes under the radar at times. She will often step up and bowl the hard overs and uses changes of pace to her advantage,'' said White Ferns coach Bob Carter.

"She is a top quality all-rounder and an exceptional T20 talent," he added.