One great spell can turn a T20I match on its head. And New Zealand have had bowlers who have done just that on many occasions.
Their bowlers have delivered some memorable spells in T20Is. But which one of them really stands out?
So here’s a look at the best bowling figures by New Zealand bowlers in T20Is.
Best T20I Bowling Performances for NZ
| Player | Bowling Figures (Overs) | Economy | Innings | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Southee | 5/18 (4.0) | 4.50 | 1 | v Pakistan | Auckland | 26 Dec 2010 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 5/21 (4.0) | 5.25 | 1 | v West Indies | Auckland | 27 Nov 2020 |
| James Neesham | 5/22 (4.0) | 5.50 | 1 | v Pakistan | Wellington | 26 Mar 2025 |
| Tim Southee | 5/25 (4.0) | 6.25 | 2 | v U.A.E. | Dubai (DICS) | 17 Aug 2023 |
| Adam Milne | 5/26 (4.0) | 6.50 | 1 | v Sri Lanka | Dunedin | 5 Apr 2023 |
| Mark Gillespie | 4/7 (2.5) | 2.47 | 1 | v Kenya | Durban | 12 Sep 2007 |
| Mitchell Santner | 4/11 (4.0) | 2.75 | 2 | v India | Nagpur | 15 Mar 2016 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 4/12 (3.5) | 3.13 | 1 | v Australia | Auckland | 23 Feb 2024 |
| Ish Sodhi | 4/12 (4.0) | 3.00 | 2 | v Zimbabwe | Harare | 24 Jul 2025 |
| Todd Astle | 4/13 (2.0) | 6.50 | 2 | v Bangladesh | Auckland | 1 Apr 2021 |
| Trent Boult | 4/13 (4.0) | 3.25 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Sydney | 29 Oct 2022 |
| Lockie Ferguson | 4/14 (3.2) | 4.20 | 2 | v Ireland | Belfast | 18 Jul 2022 |
| Jacob Duffy | 4/14 (3.4) | 3.81 | 1 | v Pakistan | Christchurch | 16 Mar 2025 |
| James Franklin | 4/15 (3.3) | 4.28 | 2 | v England | Hamilton | 12 Feb 2013 |
| Jacob Duffy | 4/15 (4.0) | 3.75 | 2 | v Sri Lanka | Mount Maunganui | 30 Dec 2024 |
Key Insights on Best T20I Bowling Spells for New Zealand
Historical Spells for New Zealand in T20Is
Tim Southee has recorded the best bowling figures for New Zealand in T20Is. He returned 5 for 18 against Pakistan in the 2010 Auckland T20I. This is also the second-best bowling figures by any bowler against Pakistan in T20Is.
Southee has also delivered the best bowling figures for New Zealand in an away T20I. He had figures of 5 for 25 against the UAE in the 2023 Dubai T20I.
Southee’s figures of 5 for 25 are also the best by a New Zealand captain in T20Is.
Mark Gillespie’s figures of 4 for 7 against Kenya in 2007 are the best by a New Zealand bowler in the T20 World Cup.
Most Five-fors and Best T20I Debut Spells for New Zealand
Southee is the only New Zealand bowler to take two five-wicket hauls in T20I cricket.
Jacob Duffy, meanwhile, is the only Kiwi bowler with five or more four-wicket hauls in the shortest format.
Duffy has claimed the best bowling figures for New Zealand on T20I debut. He took 4 for 33 against Pakistan in the 2020 Auckland T20I.
Opponent-Specific T20I Bowling Feats for New Zealand
Lockie Ferguson’s 5 for 21 are the fifth-best bowling figures by any bowler against the West Indies in T20Is.
Adam Milne has delivered the best bowling figures against Sri Lanka in T20Is, with his 5 for 26 in the 2023 Dunedin match.
Most Economical and Expensive Spells for New Zealand in T20Is
Ferguson has delivered the joint most economical spell in T20Is, conceding zero runs for three wickets while bowling four maiden overs against Papua New Guinea in Tarouba in the 2024 T20 World Cup (minimum six balls bowled). His four maiden overs are also the joint most by a bowler in a T20I innings.
Zak Foulkes has bowled the most expensive bowling figures for New Zealand in T20Is. He conceded 67 runs for zero wickets in three overs against India in the 2026 Raipur T20I.
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