Take a look at Trent Boult T20 International cricketing journey

Trent Boult, the formidable New Zealand pacer, has announced his retirement from international cricket, marking the end of an illustrious career. Boult’s contributions to New Zealand cricket have been immense, and his departure leaves a significant void in the team.

After confirming that the T20 World Cup 2024 would be his last, Boult played his final international match against Papua New Guinea, where New Zealand secured a victory but were eliminated from the tournament.

Boult after his T20I match against PNG

Boult expressed mixed emotions about his retirement, stating (as quoted by AFP), “It feels a little bit weird, a few emotions obviously the last couple of days.”

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While he acknowledged that the game against Papua New Guinea might have been his final appearance for New Zealand, he also left room for uncertainty, saying, “I haven’t thought much further than this, I’m in no position to comment right now. I enjoyed being out there one last time.”

Early Career and Rise to Prominence

Boult began his cricketing journey in domestic cricket, quickly rising through the ranks with his impressive pace and swing. He made his international debut for New Zealand in 2011 and immediately made an impact. His ability to swing the ball both ways made him a potent weapon in all formats of the game.

Boult, at the age of 34, has represented New Zealand in 61 T20Is. Throughout his career, he has claimed an impressive 83 wickets in this format. In the T20 World Cup, Boult has been a standout performer, featuring in 18 matches. The left-arm pacer grabbed 34 wickets at 12.50 with an economy under six an over.

Bowling Style and Techniques

Trent Boult is renowned for his left-arm swing bowling, which has troubled many top-order batters worldwide. His signature delivery is the inswinger to right-handers, which he combines with a deceptive outswinger. Boult’s control, pace, and ability to move the ball in the air and off the pitch have made him a standout bowler in both Test and limited-overs cricket.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup 2014

Boult made his T20 World Cup debut in 2014 against the Netherlands, taking 1/25 in his four overs. In the following match against Sri Lanka, he delivered an impressive spell of 3/20, including the wickets of both openers and Kumar Sangakkara. Despite Boult’s efforts, New Zealand could not progress to the knockout stages, and he ended the tournament with four wickets from two games.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup 2016

In the 2016 T20 World Cup in India, Boult was part of the New Zealand squad but did not get a chance to play. The team reached the semi-finals, where they lost to England. Although Boult did not contribute on the field, his presence in the squad added depth and experience to the team.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup 2021

The 2021 T20 World Cup was a memorable one for Boult and New Zealand. The Kiwis reached their maiden final, with Boult playing a crucial role. He was New Zealand’s top wicket-taker, with 13 wickets from seven matches, the joint-second highest in the tournament. His standout performance came against Afghanistan, where he took 3/17 and was named Player of the Match. Despite a strong performance in the final against Australia, where he took 2/18, New Zealand fell short of the title.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup 2022

In the 2022 T20 World Cup held in Australia, Boult continued to be a key player for New Zealand. The team made it to their third consecutive semi-final, with Boult taking eight wickets from five matches. His career-best T20I figures of 4/13 came against Sri Lanka, where he dismantled the top order with his new-ball bowling. Boult’s performance was instrumental in New Zealand’s dominant win in that match.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup 2024

The 2024 T20 World Cup saw Boult once again leading the New Zealand bowling attack. He finished as the highest wicket-taker for the Kiwis, with nine wickets in four matches at an average of 6.55 and an economy rate of 3.68. One of his standout performances was against the West Indies, where he took 3/16, triggering a batting collapse. Despite his efforts, New Zealand’s early losses in the tournament led to their elimination.

Memorable Moments and Records

Boult’s career is filled with memorable moments and records. He has consistently delivered match-winning performances across all formats. In T20 World Cups, he has taken at least one wicket in the first six overs of an innings in 20 out of 61 matches. His tally of 317 wickets in 78 Tests is the fourth highest by a New Zealand bowler. Boult’s ability to deliver under pressure and his consistency have made him a legend in New Zealand cricket.

Boult’s retirement has prompted heartfelt tributes from teammates, opponents, and cricketing legends. Many have praised his skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. Tim Southee, Boult’s long-time bowling partner, expressed his admiration and noted that Boult’s contributions to New Zealand cricket would be remembered for generations. Cricketing legends have hailed Boult as one of the best swing bowlers of his era, highlighting his remarkable consistency and impact.

Trent Boult at T20 World Cup

Matches	Wickets	Average	Strike Rate	Economy	Best Bowling
18	34	12.50	12.64	5.93	4/13

Trent Boult in Tests

Mat	Inns	Mdns	Wkts	BBI	BBM	Avg	Econ	SR	5w	10w
78	149	656	317	6/30	10/80	27.49	3.00	54.9	10	1

Trent Boult in ODIs

Mat	Inns	Mdns	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR	4w	5w
114	113	76	211	7/34	24.38	4.99	29.2	10	6

Trent Boult in T20Is

Mat	Inns	Mdns	Wkts	BBI	Avg	Econ	SR	4w	5w
61	61	4	83	4/13	21.43	7.68	16.7	2	0