Tim Southee becomes third New Zealander to reach 300 Test wickets

New Zealand quick Tim Southee on Tuesday (December 29) reached a landmark of 300 Test wickets in his career – becoming only the third Kiwi to do so. Southee is currently part of the New Zealand Test team playing the 1st Test against Pakistan at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.

Southee achieved the milestone on Day 4 of the ongoing Test, dismissing Pakistan batsman Haris Sohail as his 300th victim. Only Sir Richard Hadlee and Daniel Vettori have more Test wickets for New Zealand than Southee.

Batting first, New Zealand racked up a huge total of 431 in their first innings on the back of skipper Kane Williamson’s terrific 129. In response, Pakistan were bundled out for 239, with Kyle Jamieson leading the pace attack (3/35). The hosts then ended up declaring their second innings on 180/5, setting Pakistan a steep target of 373 runs to win the Test.

By stumps on Day 4, the visitors had already lost both openers for ducks, with Southee and Trent Boult firing away. Going into Day 5 at 71/3, Pakistan still need 302 more runs to seal a victory.