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New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham made headlines with a sensational five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the fifth and final T20I at Sky Stadium, Wellington, on Wednesday.
James Neesham becomes second New Zealander to take a fifer against Pakistan
Neesham’s spell of 5/22 in four overs played a pivotal role in restricting Pakistan to 128/9 in 20 overs, ultimately setting the stage for a comfortable New Zealand victory. With this outstanding performance, Neesham not only delivered a match-winning spell but also etched his name in the record books, becoming only the fourth New Zealand bowler to register a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. The Kiwi attack, featuring Jacob Duffy, Ben Sears and Ish Sodhi, also contributed to Pakistan’s batting collapse, ensuring New Zealand dominated the contest from start to finish.
Neesham became only the second New Zealand bowler in history to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in T20Is, following in the footsteps of Tim Southee, who achieved the feat with 5/18 in Auckland in 2010. With this achievement, Neesham also became the third bowler overall in New Zealand-Pakistan T20I history to claim a fifer. The elite list includes:
- Tim Southee (NZ): 5/18 vs Pakistan, Auckland, 2010
- Umar Gul (PAK): 5/6 vs New Zealand, The Oval, 2009
- Jimmy Neesham (NZ): 5/22 vs Pakistan, Wellington, 2025
Best bowling figures for New Zealand in T20I cricket
Neesham’s historic spell also saw him become just the fourth bowler from New Zealand to achieve a five-wicket haul in T20Is. What makes Neesham’s fifer even more remarkable is that he is primarily known for his all-round skills, with his batting often taking the spotlight. However, this match saw him rise as a true match-winner with the ball, reinforcing his value as one of New Zealand’s most versatile cricketers.
Here’s a closer look at the top bowling figures recorded by New Zealand bowlers in T20 internationals.
1.Tim Southee – 5/18 vs Pakistan, 2010 (Auckland)
Southee was the first New Zealand bowler to register a five-wicket haul in T20Is, achieving the feat against Pakistan in 2010 at Eden Park, Auckland. He bowled with exceptional swing and accuracy, running through Pakistan’s top and middle order to finish with figures of 5/18 in four overs. His spell helped New Zealand secure a comfortable win and laid the foundation for future Kiwi pacers to shine in the shortest format of the game. Southee’s ability to move the ball both ways and exploit early conditions made him one of the most reliable T20 bowlers for New Zealand.
2. Lockie Ferguson – 5/21 vs West Indies, 2020 (Mount Maunganui)
Express pacer Ferguson delivered a breathtaking spell against West Indies in Mount Maunganui during the 2020 series. Clocking speeds of 150+ kmph, Ferguson ripped through the West Indian batting lineup, claiming 5/21 in four overs. His raw pace and ability to generate steep bounce proved too much for the Caribbean batters, making it one of the most dominant bowling performances by a New Zealander in T20I history. His spell ensured West Indies never got the momentum they needed, securing another T20I win for the Black Caps.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest centuries for Pakistan in T20I cricket ft. Hasan Nawaz
3. James Neesham – 5/22 vs Pakistan, 2025 (Wellington)
The latest entrant into the list of New Zealand’s best T20I bowling figures, Neesham showcased his all-round brilliance with a stunning spell of 5/22 against Pakistan in Wellington. Known more for his batting exploits, Neesham surprised everyone by producing a match-winning spell with the ball. He removed key batters in Abdul Samad, Shadab Khan, Jahandad Khan, Salman Agha and Sufiyan Muqeem, crippling Pakistan’s innings and restricting them to just 128/9 in 20 overs. His variations, smart change of pace, and ability to execute under pressure made this spell one of the most remarkable bowling performances by a New Zealander in T20Is.
4. Tim Southee – 5/25 vs UAE, 2023 (Dubai)
Thirteen years after his first T20I fifer, Southee once again proved his class, this time against UAE in Dubai in 2023. The veteran pacer recorded figures of 5/25, once again demonstrating his ability to extract movement and outfox batters in the shortest format. His experience and composure under pressure were evident throughout the spell as he led New Zealand to a comfortable win. Southee’s longevity and continued excellence in T20 cricket solidified his status as one of New Zealand’s finest pacers.
5. Adam Milne – 5/26 vs Sri Lanka, 2023 (Queenstown)
Pace sensation Adam Milne delivered a fiery spell against Sri Lanka in Queenstown in 2023, finishing with figures of 5/26 in four overs. Milne’s raw pace and ability to generate bounce troubled the Sri Lankan batters, leading to their batting collapse. His spell was instrumental in securing a dominant win for New Zealand, and it remains one of the finest bowling performances by a Kiwi bowler in T20I history. Milne’s performance showcased the depth of New Zealand’s fast-bowling talent in white-ball cricket.
