In the scorching Chennai sun, amidst the roars of fervent cricket fans, history was quietly being written. Trent Boult, the lanky left-arm pacer from New Zealand, achieved a monumental feat on Friday, October 13, during the 3rd match of the World Cup 2023. Boult, often hailed for his deceptive deliveries, became the third-fastest bowler to cross the coveted 200-wicket milestone in One Day International (ODI) cricket.
The Milestone Moment: A ‘Knuckle Ball‘ Trick
As the crowd held its collective breath, Boult weaved his magic, dismissing Bangladesh’s Towhid Hridoy in the 38th over with a devious ‘knuckle ball’. The middle-order batter, clueless in the face of Boult’s craftiness, had no chance. It was a wicket that marked a turning point in the match and etched Boult’s name into the annals of cricket history.
But that wasn’t all. Boult started his day with a bang, taking the prized wicket of the highly-rated Litton Das for a golden duck in the very first delivery of the game. Such a breathtaking display of skill and precision left fans and critics alike in awe.
A Journey Spanning Over a Decade
Boult’s incredible achievement came after 11 years since his ODI debut for New Zealand. This speaks volumes about his consistency and longevity in the fast-paced world of international cricket. Boult’s journey is a testament to his dedication and unwavering commitment to the game.
Breaking Records: New Zealand’s Fastest to 200 ODI Wickets
But that’s not all; Boult shattered records on his way to this milestone. He broke the New Zealand record for being the fastest to 200 ODI wickets, a record previously held by Kyle Mills, who achieved the feat in 135 matches back in 2012. Trent Boult achieved it in just 107 matches, demonstrating his class and pace.
Elite Company: Third Fastest to 200 ODI Wickets
Joining the elite league of speed demons, Boult now stands as the third-fastest bowler to reach 200 ODI wickets. Only two legends of the game, Mitchell Starc (102 matches) and Saqlain Mushtaq (104 matches), have achieved this feat in fewer games. Boult’s name now stands shoulder to shoulder with these giants of the cricketing world.
A Slow Start in the World Cup 2023
Boult had a relatively slow start in the World Cup 2023, picking up just one wicket against England and going wicketless in his 8-over spell against the Netherlands. However, the Kiwis managed to win both matches, showing their all-round strength.
The Hero of 2019 World Cup
Cricket enthusiasts still remember Trent Boult as the hero of the 2019 World Cup, where the BlackCaps came agonizingly close to winning the title against England. Boult scalped 17 wickets from 11 matches, consistently striking in the powerplay and making crucial breakthroughs for his team.
A Bold Decision: Opting Out of Central Contract
In a bold and commendable move, Trent Boult opted out of his central contract with New Zealand Cricket (NZC) in August 2022. His decision was driven by his desire to spend more time with his young family and his growing fatigue from overseas tours. This showed a different side of Boult, a man not just dedicated to the game but also to his personal life.
In conclusion, Trent Boult’s journey to 200 ODI wickets is a testament to his extraordinary skill and unwavering commitment to cricket. His record-breaking achievement and consistency over the years have made him one of the brightest stars in New Zealand’s cricketing history. As the World Cup 2023 progresses, cricket fans around the world will undoubtedly be eager to see what more this sensational pacer has in store for us. The sky’s the limit for Trent Boult!
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