The New Zealand side have been one of the prominent teams who have always been known for not having big stars in their teams but having effective stars in their ranks, who have chipped in with effective contributions. The New Zealand side have been among the most successful sides in recent times as they have qualified for the playoffs at every major tournament. Let us look at the top three bowling performances by New Zealand players on their ODI debut.
1. 4/20 – Mitchell McLenaghan vs South Africa in Paarl in 2013
Left-arm fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan has made a name for himself in New Zealand’s limited-overs teams. He runs in hard and then hits the deck even harder, which saw him enjoy immense success in the T20 format of the game.
He was one of the prominent members of the Mumbai Indians side, who went on to win the title in the 2019 edition of the IPL. In his ODI debut match against South Africa in the year 2013 McClenaghan ended the match with a figure of 4/20.
2. 4/34 – Dayle Hadlee vs Pakistan in Christchurch in 1973
One more Hadlee following the great legacy of his Hadlee family legacy. Dayle Hadlee was one of Walter Hadlee’s five sons. Dayle Hadlee began his bowling career as a fast-medium bowler, but due to chronic back pain, he had to slow down and start relying more on swing than on speed. Hadlee made his debut in an ODI against Pakistan in the year 1973 and made it even more special for himself with a match-winning spell of 4/34.
3. 4/38 – Matt Henry vs India in Wellington in 2014
Another great speedster that New Zealand had produced over the years, Matt Henry is known for his sheer pace and late swing. He had a promising start to his career but could not sustain it as he suffered from back surgery in 2012. Two years later, though, he was called up as cover during the ODI series against India, and thanks to a niggle to fellow injury-prone Hamish Bennett, Henry put the black cap on and registered the third-best figures for a New Zealand debutant in ODIs, claiming four wickets to seal New Zealand’s 4-0 series triumph.