In the fourth Twenty20 International against India on October 30, Mitchell Santner took two wickets for twenty-four runs, creating a double slice of history at Eden Park in Auckland. After dismissing Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy, the left-arm spinner increased his total wickets against India to 32 from 31 games, surpassing Ish Sodhi’s previous mark of 30 to become the team’s most prolific T20I wicket-taker.

Mitchell Santner became the first left-arm spinner in the globe to reach that milestone in T20 internationals and only the third bowler from New Zealand to reach 150 wickets in the format during that same term.

Santner had taken 142 T20I wickets at an overall average of 23.09 prior to this game. Nine wickets at a series average of 11.22 highlight how persistently he has challenged Indian hitters during the five-match series. In T20Is, his two greatest returns against India are both hauls of 4/11, which continue to be his best bowling performances against that team.

New Zealand took a 3-1 lead in the five-match series after winning by 87 runs. The hosts scored 259/7, their highest T20I total against India, thanks to Glenn Phillips’ 107 off 49 balls to anchor the innings and Michael Bracewell’s quick 65 off 25 balls. Jacob Duffy led the home attack with four wickets as India was bowled out for 172/9 while chasing that target.

How does Santner’s total against India stack up against other bowlers from every country?

The difference between Santner and the others has grown significantly, as can be seen by looking at the list of all-time T20I wicket-takers versus India. Chris Jordan of England, who has taken 24 wickets against India in the format, is much behind him with 32 wickets. Against India, England’s Jofra Archer and Adil Rashid each had 22 wickets.

Sodhi used to be the top wicket-taker among New Zealand bowlers against India, but Santner’s record of 30 has now been surpassed. The length of that list, which includes bowlers from New Zealand, England, and other countries, demonstrates how Santner has outperformed opponents in a variety of series and circumstances.

What does Santner’s accomplishment of 151 T20I wickets imply for the history of New Zealand cricket?

With 151 T20I wickets, Santner is one of three New Zealand bowlers who have surpassed the 150-wicket mark in the format; just two of his countrymen had previously done so. The milestone has significance outside of New Zealand cricket due to the extra distinction of becoming the first left-arm spinner in the world to reach 150 T20I wickets. A single game in Auckland currently represents one of the pivotal moments in Santner’s international career because both records were set during the same stretch at Eden Park on October 30.

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