Greatest New Zealand ODI XI of all time

McCullum Guptill Cairns Styris
New Zealand have presented numerous captivating cricketers to the one-day game

Despite possessing a population of less than five million, New Zealand have managed to produce plenty of great cricketers and consequently remained one of the stronger teams across all formats. One can argue that their dynamic brand of cricket is best suited for ODIs.

Aside from unfurling enterprising batsmen and efficient bowlers, their usually world-class fielding as well as receptive approach to the modern game make them a dangerous outfit across different types of pitches.

Also Read: Greatest South African ODI XI of all time

In this segment, let us convene an all time lineup comprising New Zealand's greatest ever players in the 50-over format. Emphasis has been honed in on consistency against the top teams as well as memorable performances in key matches. The assortment of eye-catching batsmen and steadfast bowlers turn this cross-generational dream team into a robust unit.


#5 Openers

Guptill McCullum
Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum formed a fearsome opening combination

With his calculated stroke-play and propensity of building substantial scores, Martin Guptill is very much the prototype modern-day limited-overs opener. Over the course of the last few years, he has built a formidable reputation by destroying myriad bowling attacks. The attacking right-hander has played 154 ODIs thus far and hammered 5863 runs at an average of 43.75 and strike-rate of 87.24 with as many as 13 centuries and 33 fifties.

A cricketer's true worth can never be gleaned from statistics alone. Brendon McCullum's contribution to New Zealand cricket goes beyond numbers. At a time when his team were happy to be the perennial underdogs, his confident and brazen leadership pulled them out of their comfort zone. Leading by example, he was at his scintillating best at the top of the order. The belligerent batsman smashed 6083 runs from 260 matches at a tremendous strike-rate of 96.37.

#4 Middle-order

Williamson Taylor
Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor can keep the scorecard ticking without taking unnecessary risks

Kane Williamson is a symbol of assurance against all types of bowling on almost every variety of pitches. With his adroit technique and unflappable temperament, he is an ideal batsman for the vital number three spot. He has played 123 ODIs thus far and accumulated 4977 runs at an impressive average of 46.51 and strike-rate of 83.56 with 10 tons and 33 fifties.

Oozing sheer class with his upright stance and textbook drives, Martin Crowe was one of the best batsmen in the gladiatorial pace era of 1980s. From 143 ODIs, he scored 4704 runs at an average of 38.55 and strike-rate of 72.63 with four centuries and 34 fifties. The astute cricketer, who is one of only three Kiwis in the ICC Hall of Fame, also captains this distinguished lineup. While he may no longer be with us, his enduring legacy continues to inspire and ignite.

Perhaps, Ross Taylor is the most underrated batsman in the modern era. Possessing an excellent record in both Tests and ODIs, he is a key member of the current New Zealand outfit. The right-hander has featured in 201 ODIs thus far and amassed 6963 runs at a remarkable average of 44.92 and strike-rate of 82.11 with 17 tons and 41 fifties. After manoeuvring the strike efficiently in the middle-overs, he can also accelerate with ease towards the end of the innings.

#3 All-rounders

Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns could change the momentum of the game with both bat and ball

When he made his ODI debut against India in 1999, Scott Styris batted as lowly as number nine. It is a testament to his perseverance that he finished his career as a reliable lower middle-order batsman. From 188 ODIs, the right-hander scored 4483 runs at an average of 32.48 and strike-rate of 79.41 with four centuries. Apart from an ability to adapt his batting to suit different situations, he was also quite handy with the ball. A nagging variety of medium pace fetched him 137 scalps at an economy-rate of 4.74.

New Zealand have been blessed with quite a few world-class all-rounders in their ranks over the years. With his attacking stroke-play and sharp bowling, Chris Cairns was among their finest ever. His unbeaten century against India in the 2000 ICC Knockout Trophy (later renamed as Champions Trophy) singlehandedly propelled the Blackcaps to rare tournament glory. He played 215 ODIs and scored 4950 runs at a stellar strike-rate of 84.26 with four centuries. The all-rounder also picked 201 wickets at an economy-rate of 4.84.

#2 Bowlers

Sir Richard Hadlee
Sir Richard Hadlee spearheads a dream cross-generational bowling attack

Unarguably, Sir Richard Hadlee is the greatest ever cricketer produced by New Zealand. As was the trend during his era, ODIs took a backseat to the primacy of Test cricket. He was one of the very few players of his time to reach exalted heights in both formats. From 115 ODIs, he picked 158 wickets at a stunning average of 21.56 and parsimonious economy-rate of 3.30 with 5 five-wicket hauls. 1751 runs at a strike-rate of 75.50 also stand as evidence of his hitting prowess.

Even though conditions in New Zealand did not offer much to those of his ilk, Daniel Vettori still found ways to contribute consistently with the ball. The left-arm spinner strangled opposition batsmen by adhering to line and length in an unwavering manner. 295 ODIs fetched him 305 wickets at an average of 31.71 and brilliant economy-rate of 4.12. With more than 2000 runs to his name at a rapid strike-rate, he also possessed the capability to swell totals in the end overs.

Kyle Mills' entry into a New Zealand's all time XI may raise a few eyebrows. However, those who have watched him play will attest to his capacity to build pressure by bowling probing spells. In a productive career spanning from 2001 and 2015, the accurate seamer played 170 ODIs and collected 240 wickets at an average of 27.02 and economy-rate of 4.72. Only Vettori has more wickets among all Kiwi bowlers in the 50-over format.

If his ferocious pace struck terror in the hearts of opposition batsmen, Shane Bond's smooth bowling action and ice-cool demeanour captivated the audience. At his peak, he was near unplayable. Just when it seemed like he was on the thresholds of greatness, a slew of persistent injuries proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. Nevertheless, the speedster managed to appear in 82 ODIs and garnered 147 wickets at a scarcely believable average of 20.88 with 4 five-wicket hauls.

#1 12th man and Full squad

Chris Harris
Chris Harris was a valuable utility player in the 50-over format

Chris Harris, who embodied New Zealand cricket with his all-round skills, occupies the slot of 12th man in this dream team. Primarily, he was a versatile lower middle-order batsman capable of closing out matches. While his fielding placed him among the best in the 1990s, an archetypal dibbly dobbly style of bowling made him extremely hard to score off. From 250 ODIs, he scored 4379 runs at an average of 29 and picked 203 wickets at an economy-rate of 4.28.

When the lineup is expanded into a 16-member squad, there are plenty more dynamic cricketers making the cut. While the likes of Nathan Astle and Stephen Fleming offer solid back-up options in the opening department, Trent Boult and Ewen Chatfield can provide depth to the pace attack.

New Zealand's All Time ODI XI

Martin Guptill, Brendon McCullum (wk), Kane Williamson, Martin Crowe (c), Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Chris Cairns, Sir Richard Hadlee, Daniel Vettori, Kyle Mills and Shane Bond

Also in the 16-man Squad

Chris Harris (12th man), Nathan Astle, Stephen Fleming, Trent Boult and Ewen Chatfield

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Edited by Ram Kumar