It is quite important for the bowlers to pick up wickets after a regular interval of time. This ensures that the batters are not allowed to settle down, hence, restricting the oppositions score. In big tournaments, like the T20I World Cup, it is necessary for the bowlers to remain consistent. We have seen the New Zealand’s prowess in providing top-quality fast bowlers. The new-ball bowling pair of Tim Southee and Trent Boult has left a permanent mark on the game of cricket. In this article, we will take a look at these impressive Kiwi bowlers who have bagged the most wickets in T20I World Cups.
1. Tim Southee
We start this list of top wicket-takers with the new-ball specialist, Tim Southee. Since 2010, Southee has scalped 29 wickets in 22 innings, while giving away 609 runs in 80 overs. His best bowling figures in the tournaments were 3/6. The right-arm bowler made his international in grand style.
2. Trent Boult
On number two, we have Tim Southee’s partner-in-crime, Trent Boult. The new-ball bowler has picked up 25 wickets in 14 innings since 2014. Boult conceded 366 runs in 55 overs and registered the best bowling figures of 4/13. Boult has the ability to move the ball in both directions, even on unresponsive conditions.
3. Ish Sodhi
Next up on this list of elite bowlers, we have Ish Sodhi. Since the 2016 T20I World Cup, Sodhi has bagged 25 wickets in 17 innings. He also gave away 444 runs in the 63 overs he bowled in these innings. He registered the best bowling figures of 3/18. The leg-spinner is known for his keen attitude and aggressive approach.
4. Nathan McCullum
On the fourth spot, we have Brendon McCullum’s elder brother, Nathan McCullum. Nathan picked up 23 wickets in 67 overs of 20 innings during 2007-2016. The batters scored 399 off him during this tenure. He registered the best bowling figures of 3/15.
5. Mitchell Santner
With 21 wickets in 17 innings, Mitchell Santner stands in the fifth position on this list. Since 2016, the slow left-arm orthodox bowler bowled 60 overs in the T20I World Cups and conceded 392 runs. His best bowling figures in these tournaments were 4/11.
6. Daniel Vettori
Making it to the sixth place on this list, we have Daniel Vettori. Daniel has scalped 20 wickets in 67 overs of 17 T20I World Cup innings between 2007 and 2012. He gave away 392 runs and recorded the best bowling figures of 4/20. He is only the eighth all-rounder to take 300 test wickets and score more than 3000 runs.
7. Kyle Mills
On number seven, we have Kyle Mills. Mills bagged a total of 16 wickets in 15 innings during 2009-2014. In the 52 overs, which Mills bowled, he gave away 426 runs. His best bowling figures in the tournament are 3/33. Mills’ career was impacted harshly by injuries, which resulted in other players seizing their opportunities.
8. Shane Bond
With 12 wickets in 11 innings, Shane Bond stands in the eighth position of this elite list. During 2007-2010, Shane bowled a total of 43 overs and conceded 325 runs. He also registered the best bowling figures of 2/12 in this tenure. The right-arm fast bowler was quite fearsome.
9. Scott Styris
On the ninth spot, we have Scott Styris with a total of 10 wickets in his bag. He bowled 26 overs in 11 innings and conceded 170 runs in the process. His best bowling figures in the 2007-2010 T20I World Cups is of 3/5. However, due to knee injury Scott leaned more towards batting and bowled only occasionally.
10. Ian Butler
Last but not least, Ian Butler makes it to the final spot on this list. Butler has scalped 9 wickets in the only seven appearances that he has made with the ball in the T20I World Cups of 2009 and 2010. He conceded 127 runs in 18 overs and also recorded the best bowling figures of 3/19.
