The appeal and relevance of the 50-over format have significantly decreased as T20 cricket has gained momentum and become the game where fans are most engaged. However, a decade ago, nothing was ever the same. The One-Day International (ODI) format, in general, was highly regarded, and some of the greatest players in history rose to prominence in this format. In this article, we look at the New Zealand cricketers who have played the most matches in ODIs and their records in this format.
1. Daniel Vettori (291 MATCHES)
Daniel Vettori, one of New Zealand’s most successful captains, is the first to feature on the list. He represented New Zealand in ODIs from 1997 to 2015 in 291 matches. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler hails from Auckland and is the highest wicket-taker for the Kiwis in the 50-over format with 297 wickets. Not only this, but he has also scored 2201 runs and has the highest score of 83.
2. Stephen Fleming (279 MATCHES)
Stephen Fleming, a stylish, left-handed, top-order batter and a former New Zealand captain, played for the Kiwis in 50-over cricket for 14 years (1994-2007) and represented them in 279 matches. He was as influential with his bat as he was with his captaincy. With 8007 runs at an average of 32.41, Fleming became the first New Zealand batter to score 8000 ODI runs.
3. Brendon Mccullum (260 MATCHES)
It would be incorrect to talk about New Zealand cricket and not mention Brendon McCullum. He is undoubtedly one of the best all-format batters from New Zealand. His ODI career spanned from 2002 to 2016, during which he played 260 matches and scored more than 6000 runs at an average of 30.41. His attacking approach and knack for playing risky shots kept the spectators engaged and on the edge of their seats.
4. Chris Harris (250 MATCHES)
Chris Harris, one of New Zealand’s best all-rounders during the 90s, is next to feature on the list. A multi-utility player like Harris provided the team with much-needed balance and thus proved to be an essential part of the ODI team. Harris represented the New Zealand ODI team from 1990 to 2004 in 250 matches and scored 4379 runs, and took 203 wickets.
5. Ross Taylor (236 MATCHES)
Ross Taylor, New Zealand’s most successful ODI batter, comes next on the list. Taylor made his ODI debut in 2006 against the West Indies and played his last match in 2022 against the Netherlands. He represented the Blackcaps in 236 ODIs. During his ODI tenure, Taylor amassed 8607 runs at an impressive average of 47.55. He has also made 21 centuries in his ODI career, the highest for any New Zealand batter.
6. Nathan Astle (223 MATCHES)
Next on the list is Nathan Astle, a right-handed opening batter who loved to play his shots and look for runs. Astle has been regarded as one of New Zealand’s top ODI batters ever. He played ODI cricket from 1995 to 2007 and scored 7090 runs at an average of 34.92. He was also a part-time bowler who took 99 wickets and was therefore considered a crucial partnership-breaker for New Zealand.
7. Chris Cairns (214 MATCHES)
Another all-rounder to feature in the list is Chris Cairns. Cairns played the role of a right-handed middle-order batter and used to bowl right-arm fast. From 1989 to 2006, Cairns played 214 ODIs and scored 4881 runs at a decent average of 29.22, with four hundred to his name. He also picked up 200 wickets at an average of 32.78, with his best bowling figures of 5 for 42.
8. Craig Mcmillan (197 MATCHES)
Next, we have Craig McMillan, who represented the Blackcaps in the 50-over format for 11 years (1997–2007). He was a right-handed batter who also used to bowl part-time medium pace. Craig was renowned for his unconventional playing style and hard striking. In the 197 matches that McMillan played, he scored 4707 runs, with three hundred to his name, and also picked up 49 wickets.
9. Martin Guptill (193 MATCHES)
Martin Guptill, the current white-ball opening batter for New Zealand, is next on the list. He is famous for his attacking batting style and fierce power hitting. However, he is also a sweet timer of the ball who can play in any direction of the ground. Till now, in 193 ODIs, he has scored 7254 runs at an average of 42.42 with 18 hundred and a double hundred to his name.
10. Scott Styris (188 MATCHES)
Scott Styris, an all-rounder, born in Brisbane, Australia, is the next to feature on the list. Styris, along with Jacob Oram, was New Zealand’s premier all-rounder and formed a vital part of the New Zealand white ball team. Styris played in ODIs from 1999 to 2011 in 193 matches and scored 4483 runs at an average of 32.48. He also took 137 wickets at an average of 35.32 and an economy of 4.74.
