Ish Sodhi Becomes New Zealand’s Highest Wicket-Taker in T20Is – Full Top 5 List

Ish Sodhi Crowned New Zealand’s All-Time Leading T20I Wicket-Taker

In a moment of quiet triumph at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Ish Sodhi didn’t need a five-wicket haul or match-winning burst to make history. On May 2, with the dismissal of Shamim Hossain in the third T20I against Bangladesh, the 33-year-old leg-spinner officially became New Zealand’s highest wicket-taker in T20 International cricket — a milestone earned through consistency, craft, and longevity.

Sodhi’s solitary wicket in that rain-affected match — which New Zealand won via DLS after restricting Bangladesh to 103 — took his career tally to 165 wickets in 141 matches, narrowly edging past Tim Southee’s 164. The achievement marks a significant shift in the Kiwi bowling hierarchy, with a spinner now leading the way in a format often dominated by pace.

The Top 5 Wicket-Takers for New Zealand in T20Is

While Southee remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s fast-bowling legacy, Sodhi’s rise highlights the growing impact of spin in the shortest format. Here are the five most prolific wicket-takers in T20I history for the Black Caps.

5) Lockie Ferguson – 76 Wickets

One of the fastest bowlers in world cricket, Lockie Ferguson has been a constant threat in the death overs. In 54 T20Is and 184.5 overs, he has claimed 76 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 14.59 and an economy of 7.33.

Ferguson’s best performance — a devastating 5/21 against the West Indies in Auckland on November 27, 2020 — remains one of the finest spells by a New Zealand pacer in the format. Though his IPL 2026 debut was with Punjab Kings, his value for the national side continues to grow.

4) Trent Boult – 83 Wickets

A master of swing and cutters, Trent Boult has long been New Zealand’s premier left-arm pacer. Across 61 T20Is and 1,389 deliveries, he has taken 83 wickets at an average of 21.43 and an economy of 7.68.

His 4/13 against Sri Lanka in the 2022 T20 World Cup in Sydney was a tournament-defining spell, dismantling the top order and steering the Kiwis to a crucial win. Boult also boasts two four-wicket hauls in his T20I career.

3) Mitchell Santner – 142 Wickets

Mitchell Santner combines intelligent left-arm spin with vital lower-order contributions. In 138 T20Is, he has taken 142 wickets — the second-highest among spinners for New Zealand — with an outstanding economy rate of 7.17.

Santner’s career-best 4/11 came against India in Nagpur during the 2016 T20 World Cup, where he dismissed Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, and Hardik Pandya to deliver one of the best spin performances by a New Zealander on the global stage. Currently sidelined with a shoulder injury from his IPL 2026 stint with Mumbai Indians, his return will be eagerly awaited.

2) Tim Southee – 164 Wickets

A legend across all formats, Tim Southee remains a pivotal figure in New Zealand cricket. With 164 wickets in 126 T20Is, the 37-year-old (who retired from Test cricket in December 2024) was the long-standing leader in this category.

Though his economy rate of 8.00 is relatively high, his strike rate of 16.7 speaks to his ability to break partnerships. His 5/18 against Pakistan in Auckland in December 2010 remains one of his most iconic spells, showcasing his power to dominate even the best batting lineups.

1) Ish Sodhi – 165 Wickets (and counting)

Ish Sodhi’s journey to the top has been defined by persistence and adaptability. In 141 matches and over 465.2 overs, he has amassed 165 wickets at a strike rate of 16.92 and an economy of 8.16 — figures that reflect both his attacking instincts and his role in high-pressure situations.

Beyond the numbers, Sodhi holds the record for the most four-wicket hauls by a New Zealand bowler in T20Is, with four such performances. His rise to the summit cements the role of leg-spin in modern T20 cricket and adds a new chapter to New Zealand’s evolving bowling identity.

As the Black Caps continue to develop young talent, Sodhi’s achievement stands as a testament to the value of experience, skill, and unwavering dedication at the highest level.