In a breathtaking moment during the NZ vs BAN World Cup 2023 match, Trent Boult, New Zealand’s premier fast bowler, etched his name in the annals of cricket history. With his first delivery of the match, Boult dismissed Litton Das, marking his ascent in the list of New Zealand’s highest wicket-takers across formats.
Here’s how the leaderboard stands:
–Most wickets for New Zealand across formats
728 – Tim Southee
696 – Daniel Vettori
590 – Trent Boult*
589 – Richard Hadlee
419 – Chris Cairns
Boult’s magical delivery to Litton Das was reminiscent of a similar ball faced by Jonny Bairstow in the tournament opener. Bairstow managed to clear the ropes then, but Litton wasn’t as fortunate. The ball, an inswinger homing in on the pads, prompted Litton to flick it nonchalantly in the air behind square on the leg-side. The crowd held its breath as Matt Henry, stationed at fine leg, leaped into action.
With impeccable timing and precision, Henry clasped the ball, and Litton Das’s World Cup journey ended prematurely at zero runs from just one ball. For Boult, this wicket not only set the tone for the match but also propelled him past the legendary Richard Hadlee, securing his position as New Zealand’s third-highest wicket-taker across all formats.
