New Zealand is arguably one of the best cricketing nations in the world currently. The nation has reached the knockouts of the World Cup since 2015. For two consecutive World Cups, the nation finished as the runner-up in 2015 and 2019. They also finished second in the 2021 T20 World Cup after losing to Australia in the final. Under the leadership of Kane Willamson in all three formats, the nation has excelled the most. With top-class bowlers like Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Mitchell Santner, the nation possesses an upper hand in the marquee ICC tournaments. Some classical bowling display by New Zealand in the last few ICC tournaments has proven their mettle as bowling as a strong bowling side. This article will inform our readers about the top 10 wicket takers for the nation in ODI World Cups.
1. Trent Boult
One of the most adaptive bowlers who is suitable for any conditions, Trent Boult, is a left-arm fast bowler for New Zealand. Just like his name, the bowler likes to bowl firebolts at the batters. The bowler is known to provide breakthroughs in the powerplay and set the tone for his team. Boult made his ODI debut against the West Indies in 2012 at home. He is also a prominent part of the IPL and currently represents Rajasthan Royals. A bowler who performs in pressure situations is the one who wins matches for the team and Boult is surely one of those bowlers. The left-arm pacer has played 26 World Cup matches and has taken 49 wickets thus far.
2. Jacob Oram
A former bowling all-rounder for the Kiwis, Jacob Oram, was a right-arm medium-fast bowler and a left-handed middle-order batter. He was a key player in the side and provided a strong balance to the team. Oram made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2001. The southpaw played for three IPL franchises including Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, and Chennai Super Kings. The player was a decent contributor for New Zealand, especially in the 50-over format of the game. He represented his nation in 23 World Cup matches and picked up 36 wickets with the best figures of 4/39.
3. Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori was a former left-arm spinner for New Zealand. His accurate slow bowling bamboozled many batters. Vettori was by far one of the best left-arm spinners in the history of the sport. Also, a handy batter down the order, he could pile up runs quickly. Vettori made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 1997 and established himself as one of the finest players for New Zealand. A genuine wicket-taker and a former skipper for his nation, Vettori bowled several magical spells. He represented New Zealand in 32 World Cup games and scalped 36 wickets with the best figures of 4/18.
4. Tim Southee
Tim Southee is one of the most experienced fast bowlers for New Zealand. A bowler with a genuine outswing, Southee gets the better of the batter more often than not. His longevity in all three formats for New Zealand is something to admire about. With consistent performances, he has made sure of his inclusion in the squad across formats. The right-handed medium-pacer made his ODI debut against England in 2008 and has continued to don the Kiwi jersey consistently. He made his World Cup debut in 2011 and has played 19 games thus far. The bowler has managed to pick up 34 wickets for his nation.
5. Chris Harris
Chris Harris was a former all-rounder for New Zealand. The left-handed batter and a right-arm-medium bowler made his ODI debut against Australia in 1990 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. He played in the World Cups from 1992 to 2003. Having played 28 games in the marquee event, the player picked up 32 wickets with the best figures of 4/7.
6. Shane Bond
The fastest Kiwi bowler to ever play for the nation, Shane Bond, bowled fire when looked in full rhythm. The former right-arm fast bowler was undoubtedly among the best fast bowlers in the world. He made his ODI debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Bond represented his nation in two World Cups including sixteen games. The fast bowler scalped 30 wickets in World Cups.
7. Lockie Ferguson
Another zippy Kiwi bowler who clocks over 145 Kmph regularly, Lockie Ferguson, is one of the pace batteries of New Zealand. The nation has produced some great fast bowlers including the right-arm fast, Ferguson. Lockie made his ODI debut against Australia in 2016 and impressed everyone with his pace. The bowler relies on his short-pitched deliveries and likes the ball to hurry onto the batter. He has played fourteen World Cup games and has taken 29 wickets.
8. Matt Henry
Matt Henry is a right-arm fast bowler for New Zealand across formats. Much successful in pace-friendly conditions, the bowler made his ODI debut against India at Wellington in 2014. He is also one of the leading wicket-takers for New Zealand in the ongoing ODI World Cup. Henry is an upright seam bowler who looks for movement off the surface. His seam position and strong wrist just add to the miseries of the batters. Henry has represented the Kiwis in eighteen World Cup games and has scalped 27 wickets thus far.
9. Richard Hadlee
Known as ‘Sir Richard Hadlee,’ a former bowling all-rounder for New Zealand was one of the best to play for the country. The bowling all-rounder was a right-arm fast bowler and a hard hitter down the order. He was the first bowler to reach 400 test wickets. His ODI debut came against Pakistan in 1973 before representing his nation in thirteen World Cup games. He picked up 22 wickets in the World Cups.
10. Geoff Allot
The former left-arm fast-medium bowler for New Zealand is known to be the best bowler in the 1990s. A man with a big heart, he made his ODI debut against England at Napier in 1997 and represented the Kiwis in nine World Cup games. He ended his career with 20 World Cup wickets with best figures of 4/37.
