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Most Memorable New Zealand Batting Feats: The New Zealand Cricket team has produced some of the best cricketers in the world despite being one of the least populated nations to play the sport. They played their first Test match in 1930 against England in Christchurch becoming the fifth country to contest in the format. However, they had to wait for another 26 years to clinch their first Test victory in 1956 which came against West Indies at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Kiwis played their first ODI in the 1972–73 season against Pakistan in Christchurch. They played their maiden T20 International match against Australia at Eden Park, Auckland on 17 February 2005.
In this piece, let us have a look into some of the most memorable New Zealand batting feats.
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Among Most Number of International Centuries
Kane Williamson, arguably the best of the batters in New Zealand cricketing history, is among the top five active players to score the most number of centuries. Williamson has thus far scored 45 international centuries in 358 matches across all formats. It includes 32 centuries in Tests and 13 in ODIs.
Among Most Sixes
Brendon McCullum, one of the power-hitters of his time, has his name on the list of the batters to hit the most number of sixes in international matches. He is the fourth batter on the list with 398 sixes which came in 432 matches. He has 107 sixes in Tests and 200 sixes in ODIs which is among one of the most spectacular feats in New Zealand batting history.
Most Sixes in an Innings
New Zealand opener Finn Allen etched his name in record books as he equaled the record of hitting the most number of sixes in an innings. He smashed 16 sixes in a T20 International match against Pakistan in Dunedin in January 2024. The feat is held by Afghanistan’s Hazratullah Zazai.
Also Read: 3 Players To Watch Out For In IND vs SL ODI Series
Fastest Test Hundred
Brendon McCullum holds the record for the fastest Test Hundred which he scored off 54 balls against Australia in Christchurch in the 2015-16 season.
Fastest Test Double Hundred
Kiwi Nathan Astle holds the record for the fastest double-hundred which came off 153 balls against England in Christchurch in 2002.
Most World Cup Hundreds Before Turning 25
Rachin Ravindra, New Zealand’s latest batting sensation, scored three centuries in World Cup 2023 surpassing the legend Sachin Tendulkar to register the most number of centuries in a World Cup tournament before turning 25. He also became the first batter in World Cup history to score three centuries on World Cup debut.
Unbeaten Hundred on Debut World Match
Rachin Ravindra smashed his maiden international century in his first World Cup match in 2023 against England. He scored an unbeaten 123 off just 96 balls.
