Best Bowling Figures For New Zealand In T20Is Ft. James Neesham

New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham delivered a breathtaking bowling performance in the fifth and final T20I against Pakistan at Sky Stadium, Wellington, making headlines with a sensational five-wicket haul. Neesham’s extraordinary spell of 5/22 in four overs played a crucial role in restricting Pakistan to 128/9 in 20 overs, paving the way for a dominant victory for the Black Caps.

Known primarily for his batting exploits, Neesham’s bowling masterclass surprised many, as he became only the fourth New Zealand bowler to register a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals. His stunning achievement also saw him become the second New Zealander to take a five-wicket haul against Pakistan in T20Is, joining the elite company of Tim Southee, who accomplished the feat back in 2010.

This remarkable performance not only secured New Zealand’s victory but also reaffirmed Neesham’s value as a true all-rounder capable of changing the course of a game with both bat and ball.

James Neesham Joins an Elite List

By registering a five-wicket haul, Neesham became only the third bowler in New Zealand-Pakistan T20I history to achieve this rare feat. Here’s a look at the bowlers who have taken a fifer in New Zealand vs. Pakistan T20I matches:

Bowler	Figures	Venue	Year
Tim Southee (NZ)	5/18	Auckland	2010
Umar Gul (PAK)	5/6	The Oval	2009
James Neesham (NZ)	5/22	Wellington	2025

Neesham’s inclusion in this list underscores his impact as a game-changer, proving that he is much more than just a hard-hitting middle-order batsman.

Breaking Down Neesham’s Match-Winning Spell

Neesham’s spell of 5/22 was a tactical masterclass, as he dismissed some of Pakistan’s key batters with intelligent variations. Let’s take a look at his wickets in detail:

Abdul Samad – Dismissed early with a deceptive slower delivery.
Shadab Khan – Clean bowled with a perfect yorker.
Jahandad Khan – Edged a short ball to the wicketkeeper.
Salman Agha – Attempted an aggressive shot but holed out in the deep.
Sufiyan Muqeem – Last wicket of the innings, trapped LBW.

Neesham mixed pace, accuracy, and deception, keeping Pakistan’s batters on the back foot throughout his spell.

Best Bowling Figures for New Zealand in T20Is

With his 5/22 against Pakistan, Neesham entered an exclusive club of New Zealand bowlers who have recorded five-wicket hauls in T20Is. Let’s take a closer look at the top five performances:

1. Tim Southee – 5/18 vs Pakistan (Auckland, 2010)

Southee was the first New Zealand bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20Is. He decimated Pakistan’s batting lineup with lethal swing bowling, finishing with 5/18 in four overs. His spell helped New Zealand register a convincing win and set the standard for future Kiwi pacers in T20 cricket.

2. Lockie Ferguson – 5/21 vs West Indies (Mount Maunganui, 2020)

Known for his express pace, Ferguson tore through the West Indies batting lineup, clocking speeds of 150+ kmph. His 5/21 in four overs left the Caribbean batters clueless, making it one of the most dominant fast-bowling performances by a New Zealander in T20Is.

3. James Neesham – 5/22 vs Pakistan (Wellington, 2025)

Neesham’s unexpected bowling brilliance saw him become just the fourth New Zealander to achieve this feat. His variations and ability to execute under pressure were the highlights of his memorable spell.

4. Tim Southee – 5/25 vs UAE (Dubai, 2023)

Over a decade after his first fifer, Southee once again showcased his class against UAE, finishing with 5/25. This spell reaffirmed his status as one of New Zealand’s most reliable T20 bowlers.

5. Adam Milne – 5/26 vs Sri Lanka (Queenstown, 2023)

Milne’s express pace proved too much for Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, as he returned figures of 5/26 in four overs. His spell was instrumental in securing a comfortable victory for New Zealand.

The Significance of Neesham’s Fifer

Neesham’s five-wicket haul was special for several reasons:

Rare Feat: Only the fourth New Zealander to take a T20I five-wicket haul.
Against a Quality Side: Pakistan, a strong T20 team, struggled against his variations.
All-Round Brilliance: More known for his batting, Neesham proved his value as a complete cricketer.
Match-Winning Performance: His spell set up a comfortable chase for New Zealand, securing another series victory.

What This Means for Neesham and New Zealand Cricket

Neesham’s performance could have significant implications for his T20I career and future in international cricket:

Reinforcing His All-Rounder Tag
- While he is known for his batting, this spell proves he can contribute equally with the ball.
- Adds balance to the New Zealand squad, allowing flexibility in team combinations.
Boosting His T20 Franchise Value
- With T20 leagues like the IPL, The Hundred, and CPL in full swing, his all-round abilities make him a valuable asset.
- Franchises will see his bowling as an added advantage, increasing his chances of high-value contracts.
A Key Player for Upcoming ICC Events
- With the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy coming up, New Zealand will look at Neesham as a match-winner.
- His ability to step up in crucial games makes him a potential game-changer in ICC tournaments.

Final Thoughts

James Neesham’s 5/22 against Pakistan will go down as one of the greatest T20I spells by a New Zealand bowler. More than just a statistical achievement, it was a statement performance—one that reminded the cricketing world of his all-round brilliance.

As New Zealand continues to build a strong T20I squad, performances like these will be vital for their success in global tournaments. Neesham has proven his worth once again, and fans will be eager to see what’s next for the dynamic all-rounder.

For now, his match-winning fifer in Wellington will be remembered as a landmark moment in his career and New Zealand’s T20I history.

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