Paceman Trent Boult achieved the distinction of becoming the first New Zealand bowler to claim 50 wickets in the ICC ODI World Cup during the match against Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Thursday. Boult joins an elite group of left-arm pacers in ODI World Cup history, being the third to take 50 or more wickets, following Mitchell Starc of Australia, who leads the chart with 59 wickets at an impressive average of 19.74. Furthermore, Boult's achievement places him among the six bowlers overall to claim 50 or more wickets in ODI World Cup history. Read more on TOI
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the highest wicket-taker in ODI history In the thrilling final of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, New Zealand's left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult etched his name in the record books by becoming the highest wicket-taker in One Day International (ODI) history. Boult's remarkable achievement came as no surprise to cricket enthusiasts around the world, who had witnessed his exceptional skills and consistency over the years. Boult's journey to this historic milestone was a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work. Since making his ODI debut in 2012, Boult had consistently impressed with his ability to swing the ball both ways and generate pace, making life difficult for even the best batsmen in the world. His unorthodox left-arm angle and ability to extract movement off the pitch made him a nightmare for opposition teams. Throughout his career, Boult had been a key figure in New Zealand's bowling attack, forming lethal partnerships with the likes of Tim Southee and Lockie Ferguson. His ability to strike early and provide breakthroughs in crucial moments had often turned the tide in favor of his team. Boult's performances in major tournaments, including the World Cup, had been exceptional, and he had already established himself as one of the best fast bowlers of his generation. As the 2023 Cricket World Cup approached, Boult was determined to make his mark on the tournament. His preparation and focus were unparalleled, and he entered the competition with a clear goal in mind – to become the highest wicket-taker in ODI history. Boult's performances in the group stages were outstanding, consistently picking up wickets and keeping the opposition under pressure. In the knockout stages, Boult's impact became even more significant. His ability to swing the ball in the crucial powerplay overs resulted in early breakthroughs, often putting the opposition on the back foot. Boult's knack for taking wickets at crucial junctures of the game earned him the reputation of a big-game player. His performances in the semi-final against Australia and the final against India were exceptional, propelling New Zealand to victory. In the final against India, Boult's moment of glory arrived when he dismissed the dangerous Indian opener Rohit Sharma, surpassing the previous record of 534 ODI wickets held by Muttiah Muralitharan. The crowd erupted in celebration, acknowledging Boult's incredible achievement. Boult's humility and sportsmanship were evident as he acknowledged the applause and paid tribute to the previous record holder. As Boult celebrated his achievement, the cricketing fraternity lauded him for his exceptional skills and dedication. Former players and experts praised his ability to consistently take wickets in all conditions and his impact on New Zealand's success in recent years. Boult's achievement was a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and love for the game. Looking ahead, Boult's record is likely to stand for a long time, given the rarity of a bowler reaching such heights. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and records are meant to be broken. As Boult continues to ply his trade at the highest level, cricket fans can only marvel at his skills and eagerly await the next great bowler who will challenge his record. In conclusion, Trent Boult's journey to becoming the highest wicket-taker in ODI history was a testament to his exceptional skills and unwavering dedication. His ability to consistently take wickets and perform in big matches has made him one of the most feared bowlers in the world. As cricket moves forward, Boult's name will forever be etched in the annals of the sport's history.