Top 5 wicket takers for New Zealand in WTC cycle 2023-25 ​​ft. Ajaz Patel and Mitchell Santner

In progress ICC World Test Championship (WTC) the cycle was mixed for New Zealandshowing both significant achievements and disappointing declines. While the Blackcaps showed a glimmer of promise, they failed to establish themselves as a powerful force against their rivals. They are currently placed 4th in the WTC table with an even record of 7 wins and 7 losses, behind India.

Unforgettable moments for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle

Despite the inconsistencies, New Zealand carved out some memorable moments in red cricket during this cycle. The historic series win in India led them to a rare feat, affording India a series win at home for the first time since 2000. Additionally, the Blackcaps secured a landmark 2-0 series win against the top-flight. South Africa at home, highlighting their potential on the international stage.

However, their campaign was overshadowed by significant disappointments. A recent series defeat by England dealt a major blow to their future prospects, exposing their vulnerability. Earlier in the cycle, New Zealand suffered a devastating series of whitewashes at their hands Australia and Sri Lanka, further highlighting their struggle to maintain consistency in the longest format of the game.

Amid a string of remarkable Test wins by the New Zealand team in the current WTC cycle, here are 5 Kiwi players who have impressed fans and pundits with the ball.

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Top 5 wicket takers for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle

• Matt Henry: Blackcaps sensation of pace

Henry has emerged as the leader of New Zealand’s pace attack in the current WTC cycle. The 33-year-old has taken a total of 48 wickets in 18 innings during the current WTC cycle. This makes him the leading wicket-taker for New Zealand in the 2023-25 ​​WTC cycle. Henry’s most memorable bowling figure was the pacer’s career-best 7/67 against Australia in Christchurch. With a few more years of cricket left at the competitive level, Henry is expected to perform even better for the Blackcaps in Test cricket in the near future.

• Ajaz Patel: Spin wizard

The left-arm spinner has been the find of the current WTC cycle for New Zealand and has taken a total of 37 wickets for New Zealand. Patel became a key difference maker in New Zealand’s series triumph in India, taking a total of 15 wickets in 3 Test matches. The 36-year-old’s ability to speak through the door proved detrimental on slow tracks, especially in subcontinental conditions.

• Will O’Rourke: The future of New Zealand’s pace attack

The youngster became a regular back-up to Henry at the other end of the attack for New Zealand and managed to take a total of 36 wickets in 18 innings for the Blackcaps. The 23-year-old with his pace and bounce has become a major bone of contention for batsmen in Test cricket and has consistently featured for New Zealand in the longest format of the game.

• Mitchell Santner: The multi-talented star

The importance of an experienced all-rounder is immense in Test cricket. Especially in bowling, an ideal all-rounder can become a handy alternative for the team and provide an important break to the traditional bowlers between long spells. In the New Zealand side, Santner has managed to do just that, emerging as a key slow alternative for the Blackcaps. The 32-year-old has claimed 33 wickets for his side in the current WTC cycle and cemented his place as the ideal all-rounder in red cricket.

• Glenn Phillips: Easy transition to a new role on the team

Phillips is known in the cricketing community for his powerful hitting abilities with the bat. However, in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has evolved into a more temperamental all-rounder who can not only bat but also take crucial wickets and break important partnerships with the opposition. With 31 wickets in the current WTC cycle, Phillips has moved into Test cricket for the Blackcaps and is expected to become a more regular starter next cycle.

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