Most Wickets in ODI for New Zealand

New Zealand became a full member of the ICC in 1926. They played their first ever ODI game in February 1973 against India, which started their journey in 50-over cricket. Over the years, the Black Caps have seen many ups and downs. But one thing is sure for this team: their performance in big ICC events. New Zealand has been one of the more consistent teams when it comes to ICC events.

Although they have not won any major white-ball tournaments, they have been competitive. The reason for their consistency is their well-balanced team. The Black Caps have always been blessed with some really good swing bowlers who are very hard to face. But there is a spinner who has taken most wickets for New Zealand in the ODI format. And in this article, we will cover the list of New Zealand bowlers with the most ODI wickets.

5. Chris Cairns – 201 wickets in 214 ODIs

Chris Cairns was a genuine all-rounder for New Zealand, who performed well for them in across formats. Cairns made his ODI debut in February 1991 against England and picked up 2/41 in his debut match. He appeared in 215 One-Day Internationals and took 201 wickets, with a best figure of 5/42. Cairns also scored 4950 runs at an average of 29.46, with four centuries and 26 half-centuries.

4. Chris Harris – 203 wickets in 250 ODIs

Another Kiwi all-rounder makes to this list, and this time it is Chris Harris, who represented New Zealand for 14 years in ODI cricket. He made his debut in November 1990 against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Harris played a total of 250 ODIs and took 203 wickets in his career, with the best figure of 5/42. He also scored 4379 runs, including one century and 16 half-centuries.

3. Tim Southee – 210 wickets in 154 ODIs

Veteran Kiwi pacer Tim Southee, who has been New Zealand’s go-through bowler across formats, makes third on this list. Southee is the world’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is and an important player in ODIs. He made his ODI debut in June 2008 against England. He has played a total of 151 ODIs so far and taken 204 wickets at an economy rate of 5.42, with the best bowling figure of 7/33, including three five-wicket hauls.

2. Kyle Mills – 240 wickets in 170 ODIs

Former New Zealand pacer Kyle Mills finished as his country’s second-highest wicket-taker in 50-over cricket. Mills made his ODI debut in April 2001 against Pakistan in Sharjah. He played ODI cricket for 14 years and appeared in a total of 170 ODIs. Mills had 240 wickets to his name at an average and economy rate of 27.02 and 4.72, respectively. He also took eight four-wicket hauls, the best of which was 5/25. 

1. Daniel Vettori – 297 wickets in 291 ODIs

Former Kiwi skipper Daniel Vettori holds the record for most wickets for his country in ODI cricket. Vettori came onto the scene in March 1997, when he played his first ODI match against Sri Lanka. He played 295 ODI games for his country and took 305 wickets in his career at an economy rate of 4.12. Vettori also took two five-wicket hauls and seven four-wicket hauls in ODIs. He was also a decent batter and scored 2253 runs with four half-centuries.

List of New Zealand Highest Wicket Taker in ODI

Team Wise Highest Wicket Taker in ODI