Tim Southee, the seasoned pacer from New Zealand, etched his name in cricket history during the first T20I against Pakistan on January 12 in Auckland. With a stellar performance, Southee became the first bowler to achieve the remarkable feat of claiming 150 wickets in T20 International cricket.
Prior to the milestone match, Southee had 147 wickets in 117 matches, setting the stage for his historic achievement. The moment arrived during the clash with Pakistan, where he showcased his bowling prowess, finishing the game with figures of 4/25. This outstanding performance not only secured his place in the record books but also played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s victory, as they won the first T20I by a convincing margin of 46 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
With this accomplishment, Southee now boasts a total of 151 wickets in T20Is, having played 118 matches—an achievement that places him at the top of the list for the most wickets in T20 International cricket. Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan trails behind him with 140 wickets, followed by Afghanistan’s T20I skipper Rashid Khan (130 wickets) and Southee’s teammate Ish Sodhi (127 wickets). The top five is completed by Sri Lanka’s former pacer Lasith Malinga, who has 107 wickets to his name.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) recognized Southee’s remarkable feat, extending their congratulations through an official post on their platform. The acknowledgment from the sport’s governing body further solidified Southee’s legacy as a cricketing icon.
Tim Southee, who made his debut for the Kiwis across formats in 2008, has been a cornerstone player for New Zealand. His contributions extend beyond the T20I arena, with an impressive record of 96 Tests and 161 ODIs. In Test cricket, Southee has claimed 374 wickets, securing the second position behind Richard Hadlee’s 431 wickets on the list of most Test wickets for New Zealand. In ODIs, he stands at the third position overall, trailing Daniel Vettori (297) and Kyle Mills (240).
Cumulatively, Southee boasts the highest number of international wickets for New Zealand, with 746 scalps in 375 matches across all formats (Tests + ODIs + T20Is). This statistical milestone cements his status as the most prolific wicket-taker in the history of New Zealand cricket.
Turning attention to the match itself, New Zealand set a formidable target, amassing 226/8 in their allotted 20 overs while batting first. Skipper Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell played instrumental roles, contributing 57 and 61 runs, respectively. In response, former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam exhibited his batting prowess with a score of 57. However, his efforts proved insufficient as the visitors were bundled out for 180 in just 18 overs.
Southee’s achievement not only underscores his individual brilliance but also exemplifies his enduring contribution to New Zealand cricket. As a player who has consistently delivered across formats for over a decade, Southee’s legacy is destined to endure in the annals of cricketing history.