Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Akhtar were particularly prolific among Pakistan’s top 6 ODI wicket-takers vs NZ

Jonhenry Wilson 27 Mar 2025

Shahid Afridi is among Pakistan's top wicket-takers in ODI cricket against New Zealand.

Over the course of the 119 ODIs that Pakistan and New Zealand have played against each other, it’s no surprise that plenty of wickets have fallen. Pakistan’s current attack may not be packed with instantly recognizable names, but it remains highly effective.

However, when we look back at the all-time leading wicket-takers for Pakistan against New Zealand, the list is filled with some of the greatest names in the country’s cricketing history. It’s a veritable Hall of Fame of Pakistani bowling excellence, featuring bowlers who terrorized batsmen for decades.

In all, six players have taken more than 30 wickets in ODI cricket against New Zealand. Interestingly, one of them also features on Pakistan’s list of highest run-scorers against the Black Caps! Let’s take a look at the top wicket-takers for Pakistan in this historic rivalry.

6. Shahid Afridi – 30 wickets from 38 ODIs at an average of 41.93

Shahid Afridi is better known for his explosive batting, but his leg-spin proved to be an asset in limited-overs cricket. His 30 wickets against New Zealand came across 38 matches, with a best bowling performance of 5/40. Afridi’s bowling was often underrated, but he had the ability to break partnerships and keep batsmen guessing with his flippers, sliders, and quick leg-breaks.

While his average of 41.93 is higher than others on this list, his knack for delivering breakthroughs makes him a worthy inclusion. Notably, Afridi is the only player on both Pakistan’s all-time leading run-scorers and wicket-takers lists against New Zealand – he really was quite a player.

5. Saqlain Mushtaq – 33 wickets from 20 ODIs at an average of 21.69

One of the finest off-spinners of his era, Saqlain Mushtaq was a wizard with the ball. His 33 wickets in just 20 matches against New Zealand highlight his effectiveness, with a remarkable average of 21.69.

Widely credited as being the inventor of the “doosra,” a delivery that confused and troubled many batsmen as it turned the wrong way. His best figures of 5/44 came in a match-winning performance in Gujranwala in 1996, where his variations completely dismantled the Kiwi batting lineup. Had he played more ODIs against New Zealand, there’s no doubt he would have taken even more wickets.

4. Shoaib Akhtar – 35 wickets from 22 ODIs at an average of 23.45

The Rawalpindi Express was one of the most fearsome fast bowlers in cricket history. Shoaib Akhtar’s raw pace and aggression made him a nightmare for batsmen, and his record against New Zealand was particularly strong.

With 35 wickets in just 22 matches, Shoaib averaged 23.45 against the Black Caps, regularly dismantling their top order. His best bowling figures of 6/16 are legendary, as he single-handedly destroyed New Zealand’s batting lineup with sheer pace.

After Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis had done their thing in this famous game in Karachi, Ahktar ripped through the Black Caps taking the last six wickets to fall as they tumbled from a score of 74 for four to be all out for 122. Shoaib’s thunderbolts at speeds over 150 km/h meant that New Zealand’s batsmen often struggled to handle him, especially on bouncy and seaming tracks.

Also read: Fakhar Zaman’s record among Pakistan’s top 6 ODI run-scorers is truly impressive

3. Abdul Razzaq – 39 wickets from 41 ODIs at an average of 34.15

While Abdul Razzaq was primarily known as an all-rounder, his bowling was highly effective, especially in ODI cricket. With 39 wickets in 41 matches against New Zealand, he had a key role in controlling the middle overs and providing crucial breakthroughs. His best figures of 4/29 came in a match where he swung the ball both ways and used his famous off cutters to deceive batsmen.

Though his average of 34.15 is on the higher side, his ability to take wickets in key moments made him a vital part of Pakistan’s ODI attack. Razzaq’s contributions with both bat and ball often proved decisive in Pakistan’s victories over New Zealand.

2. Wasim Akram – 64 wickets from 38 ODIs at an average of 18.54

A list of Pakistan’s best performing bowlers that lacked Wasim Akram would be an anomaly. One of the finest left-arm quicks in cricket history, Wasim tormented New Zealand’s batsmen for years, taking 64 wickets in 38 matches at an outstanding average of 18.54.

His best figures of 5/17 came in a devastating spell where he swung the ball both ways, seemingly at will, and left the Kiwi batsmen clueless. His ability to bowl unplayable reverse-swinging yorkers in the death overs made him a constant threat. Wasim’s dominance against New Zealand was relentless, and his performances played a massive role in Pakistan’s successes against them in ODIs.

1. Waqar Younis – 79 wickets from 37 ODIs at an average of 15.84

At the very top of the list is the legendary Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s most successful ODI bowler against New Zealand. His 79 wickets in just 37 matches are an astonishing feat, with a phenomenal average of 15.84.

It seems quite clear that he loved bowling at the Black Caps. Waqar was the master of reverse swing, and his ability to deliver deadly, toe-crushing yorkers at high speed frequently made him nearly unplayable.

His best figures of 6/26 showcase his match-winning ability, as he single-handedly dismantled New Zealand’s batting order. Waqar’s deadly partnership with Wasim Akram ensured that Pakistan nearly always had the upper hand in the bowling department.