In the fifth T20I between New Zealand and Pakistan at Sky Stadium in Wellington on March 26, 2025, New Zealand's all-rounder James Neesham achieved a remarkable feat by taking a five-wicket haul. This performance not only led to Pakistan's downfall but also positioned Neesham as the fifth bowler in T20I history to claim five wickets in an innings

Neesham's Impactful Performance:

Bowling Figures: Neesham's bowling figures stood at 5 wickets for 22 runs, significantly restricting Pakistan's batting lineup. ​

Match Outcome: His exceptional bowling played a pivotal role in New Zealand's victory, limiting Pakistan to a total of 128 runs.

Historical Context:

Neesham's achievement places him among an elite group of bowlers who have taken five wickets in a T20I innings. This list includes:​

Ajantha Mendis (Sri Lanka)​

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh)

Sohail Tanvir (Pakistan)​

Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)​

Neesham's performance not only highlights his individual skill but also underscores his value to the New Zealand cricket team in the T20 format