Image courtesy: Twitter/ @wgtnfirebirds

New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham registered his best-ever domestic figures, picking up a five-wicket haul in a Ford Trophy game. Plying his trade for his local side Wellington Firebirds, the 29-year-old registered figures of 5/29 in the game against Canterbury at the Basin Reserve Stadium.

Neesham, who was picked by Kings XI Punjab in the recent VIVO Indian Premier League auction, missed the previous game but made amends with a brilliant comeback as he notched up five wickets in his ten over quota, while conceding just 29 runs.

Neesham accounted for the dismissals of the top five opposition batsmen, picking up the likes of Henry Nicholls and Todd Astle. He wrecked carnage in the middle overs with his consistent line and lengths, forcing Canterbury to go from being 112 for no loss to 136/5 a few overs later. Apart from notching up the wickets, the 29-year-old also kept a tight lid on the opposition’s scoring rate. The all-rounder bowled three maidens in his ten over spell, restricting the opposition to a score of 267/7.

Chasing that total, Wellington were in a slight spot of bother with the score reading 186/4 after 38 overs when Neesham came out to bat. The southpaw didn’t need much time to settle, and he began playing his shots right from the beginning. Neesham scored an unbeaten 37 off just 32 balls, scoring two fours and a couple of sixes as his side won their game with more than an over to spare. 

Following that win, Neesham’s side Wellington are at top of the table in the Ford Trophy having played seven games. They play their next game against Otago on Wednesday. (February 5).