Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson provided fans with both quality batting and a lighthearted moment during The Hundred 2025, as his amusing handshake with presenter Dinesh Karthik quickly went viral. The incident took place after London Spirit’s convincing 21-run victory over Trent Rockets on August 14, where Williamson played a key role in guiding his team to their second win of the campaign.
Williamson, who had struggled to find rhythm in the earlier fixtures, returned to form with a crucial knock of 45 off 32 balls, laced with six elegant boundaries and a towering six. His innings, combined with Jamie Smith’s sparkling half-century, provided London Spirit with the foundation for a strong total of 162/5 at Lord’s.
Despite an early setback with David Warner’s dismissal for just 6, the Smith-Williamson partnership of 73 runs steadied the ship and set the tone for the middle order. The highlight of the evening, however, came off the field. During the post-match presentation, Williamson was in conversation with the presenter when Dinesh Karthik joined in with a friendly handshake.
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As the discussion concluded, Williamson instinctively extended his hand toward the presenter, who was holding a microphone and notes. Realising the situation mid-action, the Kiwi skipper switched to an elbow touch, leaving both himself and those around him in laughter. The moment was pure sporting comedy, and unsurprisingly, fans on social media shared the clip widely, enjoying Williamson’s rare but endearing awkwardness.
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With bat in hand, London Spirit’s middle order ensured the momentum carried on, as Ashton Turner blasted a quickfire 30 from 16 balls while Ollie Pope added a valuable unbeaten 17 off just nine. The late flourish lifted the side to a challenging total, keeping the Rockets under pressure.
In reply, Trent Rockets began brightly with a 73-run opening stand between Tom Banton and Joe Root. However, once the pair departed, the innings unraveled. The Rockets lost four wickets in the space of just 14 deliveries, including a nasty blow to Tom Alsop, who was forced to retire hurt after a short ball from Jamie Overton struck him on the nose. Richard Gleeson further dented their hopes with two quick wickets, dismissing Max Holden and Adam Hose.
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Despite Marcus Stoinis’ fighting knock of 35 not out from 22 balls — featuring four massive sixes — and his earlier figures of 2/17, the Rockets fell short at 141/6, slipping to their first defeat of the season. For the London Spirit, it was not just about the victory but also about Kane Williamson rediscovering form and showing fans that even cricketing greats can deliver moments of humour along with their brilliance.
