A notable accomplishment in the high-stakes atmosphere of the ICC World Cup is equal to a record set by a renowned predecessor. Mitchell Santner, a spinner from New Zealand, accomplished it in the 2023 World Cup. Santner showed his ability with the ball shone as he equaled Daniel Vettori’s record for the most wickets taken by a New Zealand spinner in a single World Cup edition at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The encounter was a crucial one between the two teams. In the course of the game, he removed Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva, and his two wickets not only helped him reach a career total of 16 but also connected his name with Vettori’s World Cup 2007 achievement. Scroll down to read the top three New Zealand spinners with most wickets in a World Cup edition.
World Cup Edition: New Zealand Spinners With Most Wickets
1. Daniel Vettori: 16 wickets, World Cup 2007
Vettori’s World Cup 2007 performances cemented his status as one of the best spinners of his generation. His 16 wickets in 10 games were not only about quantity but also about time and how they affected the outcome of the games. Vettori’s bowling was distinguished by his outstanding control and his capacity to trick batters with minute changes in spin, pace, and flight. He frequently bowled with a flatter trajectory than many typical spinners, which, when paired with his inherent variation, made him challenging to score off of.
His ability to outwit batsmen on the field demonstrated his acumen; he frequently set them up across multiple deliveries. His greatest result of 4/23 in the competition demonstrated his ability at key junctures. In addition to being a skilled bowler, Vettori could bat in the lower orders, giving the New Zealand batting order more depth. His team’s success in the competition was greatly influenced by his leadership abilities and composed temperament.
Daniel Vettori: 15 wickets, World Cup 2015
Despite being nearing the end of his career, Daniel Vettori played a crucial role in leading New Zealand to reach the World Cup 2015 finals. His class was demonstrated by his 15 wickets in 9 matches at an average of 20.47 and an economy rate of 4.05. It was clear in this competition that Vettori has been able to modify his style over time. Rather than depending solely on turn, he paid greater attention to accuracy and minute fluctuations in spin.
Because of his experience, he was able to read the batsmen and the game better and would frequently outsmart them mentally. His 4/18 stats against Afghanistan were a spin bowling masterclass. Vettori’s contribution to the team went beyond only his bowling; the younger players benefited greatly from his advice and expertise. Even while it wasn’t as noticeable as it had been in his previous years, his batting gave the lower-order stability.
2. Mitchell Santner: 16 wickets, World Cup 2023
Santner has demonstrated throughout the 2023 World Cup why he is called a deserving successor to Vettori. His talent and consistency are demonstrated by his 16 wickets in 9 matches. This is with an economy rate of 4.85 and an average of 24.88. Santner’s tournament-best 5/59 against the Netherlands demonstrated his capacity to take wickets at crucial times. He bowls with a combination of accuracy and flair.
Santner is well-known for his accuracy and tight line bowling. He can keep the batsman guessing with his arm ball and small pace adjustments. His success has been greatly attributed to his ability in the middle overs. He frequently builds pressure and slows down the run rate. Adding another element to his game, Santner is a capable lower-middle-order batsman who can score significant runs. His fielding is another strength; he frequently makes incredible catches and saves important runs in the field.
