In the opening T20I at Eden Park in Auckland on Friday (January 12), New Zealand’s Tim Southee etched his name in history by becoming the first bowler to claim 150 wickets in T20 Internationals. The 35-year-old speedster achieved this milestone with a remarkable bowling performance, taking 4/25 against Pakistan.
Clinical Bowling Display Powers New Zealand to a 46-Run Victory
Southee reached the historic mark during the 18th over of Pakistan’s run chase. He dismissed Abbas Afridi, caught by Matt Henry at deep point, securing his third wicket of the game and becoming the inaugural bowler to reach 150 T20I wickets. In the same over, he also dismissed Haris Rauf, ultimately helping bundle out Pakistan for 180.
With this achievement, Southee now boasts 151 wickets in 118 T20Is, maintaining an economy rate of 8.12. He surpasses the likes of Shakib Al Hasan and Rashid Khan, who are in the top three for most T20I wickets with 140 and 130 scalps, respectively. Ish Sodhi (127) and Lasith Malinga (107) also feature in the top five list.
Clinical Bowling Performance Secures Victory
In the T20I clash against Pakistan, Southee’s clinical bowling performance played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s 46-run victory. Adam Milne and Ben Sears also contributed with two wickets each, while Ish Sodhi settled for a solitary wicket.
Chasing a formidable target of 227, Pakistan was dismissed for 180 in 18 overs. Babar Azam stood out with the bat, scoring 57 off 35 deliveries, featuring two sixes and six boundaries.
In their innings, New Zealand posted a commanding total of 226/8 in 20 overs. Daryl Mitchell and captain Kane Williamson played key roles, slamming half-centuries. Mitchell scored a brisk 61 off 27, including four sixes and as many boundaries, while Williamson contributed 57 off 42, with nine boundaries.
Next Challenge at Seddon Park
The second T20I is scheduled to take place at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Sunday, January 14.
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