On November 9, Trent Boult achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first New Zealand bowler to secure 50 wickets in the World Cup. This accomplishment propelled him to the sixth position in the all-time list, surpassing Chaminda Vaas.
Despite claiming 13 wickets, Boult has faced challenges in this year’s World Cup campaign. The left-arm pacer has conceded 411 runs across nine matches, with an average over 31.
Boult achieved the milestone of 50 wickets in Bengaluru by dismissing Sri Lanka’s stand-in skipper, Kusal Mendis, on the first ball of the fifth over. Mendis attempted a flick over backward square leg but he was caught by Rachin Ravindra and sent to the pavilion.
Boult’s 51st wicket came from a short delivery that had Samarawickrama hopping and fending towards the leg side. The delivery, resembling a Test match length delivery, was angled across off catching the batter on the crease and resulting in a perfect edge.
The third wicket of the day came from Charith Asalanka, who was the centurion in the previous game against Bangladesh. Asalanka was caught in front of the stumps, prompting New Zealand to review the decision, and it turned out to be the correct call.
