In a historic moment, Trent Boult, the left-arm pacer from New Zealand, etched his name in the history of cricket as he became the third fastest bowler ever to claim 200 wickets in One Day International (ODI) cricket. This remarkable achievement unfolded during New Zealand’s World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh in Chennai.
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Trent Boult reached the illustrious milestone in the 38th over of the game when he dismissed Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy with a ‘knuckle ball’ delivery, leaving the middle-order batter utterly deceived. It was a day that commenced with Boult setting the tone early on by taking the crucial wicket of the highly-rated Litton Das for a golden duck in the very first delivery of the match.
Trent Boult 200 Wicket Feat
This feat, which comes 11 years after Trent Boult’s ODI debut for New Zealand, demonstrates his enduring excellence in the 50-over format of the game. The left-arm seamer achieved the 200-wicket mark in his 107th ODI match, marking an extraordinary journey through international cricket.
Moreover, Boult’s achievement comes with an added touch of history, as he broke the New Zealand record for the fastest bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. The previous record holder, Kyle Mills, had accomplished this feat in 135 matches back in 2012. Boult’s rapid ascent to this milestone reaffirms his status as a premier bowler and a key asset for the New Zealand cricket team.
Fastest Bowlers to Reach 200 ODI Wickets-
1. Mitchell Starc – 102 matches
2. Saqlain Mushtaq – 104 matches
3. Trent Boult – 107 matches
4. Brett Lee – 112 matches
5. Alan Donald – 117 matches
What makes Boult’s achievement in this World Cup even more remarkable is his unique circumstance. Despite not having a central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Boult was included in the ODI World Cup 2023 squad. In August 2022, he made the personal decision to step back from his central contract, primarily to spend more time with his growing family and to alleviate the toll of constant overseas tours.
Trent Boult’s incredible journey in ODI cricket, culminating in the milestone of 200 wickets, is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the sport. As he continues to be a formidable presence on the field, cricket fans eagerly anticipate more memorable moments in his career, and the New Zealand team undoubtedly benefit from his exceptional skills and experience.
The world of cricket celebrates Trent Boult’s achievement as he joins the pantheon of the game’s fastest wicket-takers, leaving an indelible mark on ODI history.