Trent Boult
The first New Zealander to take a hat-trick at the Cricket World Cup.
Trent Boult is a New Zealand left-arm fast-medium bowler who represented the national team in all formats between 2011 and 2024. Born on July 22, 1989, in Rotorua, he grew up in Ōhope and Tauranga before attending Otumoetai College. A key member of the squad that won the 2019–2021 ICC World Test Championship, Boult also finished as a runner-up in two Cricket World Cup finals (2015 and 2019). While he retired from international cricket after New Zealand's group stage exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup, he continues to play in various Twenty20 leagues globally. He is a right-handed batsman known for his inswingers to right-handers and has taken over 300 Test wickets.
- Role
- Left-arm Fast-Medium Bowler
- Nationality
- New Zealand
- Status
- Active in T20 Leagues, Retired from International Cricket as of May 2024
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Boult's domestic journey began with a maiden IPL call-up in 2015 by Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he was purchased for $600,000. In February 2017, Kolkata Knight Riders bought him for 5 crores. He played for Delhi Capitals from 2018 to 2019 before being traded to Mumbai Indians prior to the thirteenth season. There, he claimed 25 wickets in the 2020 edition, becoming the third-highest wicket-taker behind Kagiso Rabada and Jasprit Bumrah. He bowled four maiden overs that season, a single-season IPL record, and delivered best figures of 4/18 against Chennai Super Kings on October 23, 2020, earning Man of the Match and Player of the Season honors as Mumbai won the title. In the 2022 auction, Rajasthan Royals acquired him. By November 2024, he was bought by Mumbai Indians again for the 2025 auctions, where he became their highest wicket-taker.
In Their Own Story
On June 29, 2019, Boult etched his name in history during a match against Australia at the Cricket World Cup. He became the first bowler for New Zealand to take a hat-trick in the tournament. Earlier that year, on November 2018, he had already become the third New Zealand bowler to achieve an ODI hat-trick. His international rise began earlier; in December 2011, he made his Test debut against Australia in Hobart, taking four wickets and scoring 21 runs in a tenth-wicket partnership with Chris Martin during a historic 7-run win. In March 2013, he recorded best innings bowling figures of 6/68 at Eden Park against England. Against West Indies in a second Test at the Basin Reserve, he claimed career-best figures of 10 for 80 and made a brilliant one-handed diving catch to dismiss Denesh Ramdin.
Reader's Guide
Boult operates as a left-arm fast-medium swing bowler with deceptive pace around 140 km/h. His primary weapon is an inswinger to right-handed batsmen, complemented by the ability to swing the ball both ways. He often forms a potent opening partnership with Tim Southee; together they have taken 46% of all wickets since 2013. In Tests, this duo is supported by Neil Wagner's short left-arm seam deliveries. Boult made his ODI debut in July 2012 and became the joint-leading wicket-taker at the 2015 World Cup. He reached a milestone of 150 ODI wickets on June 5, 2019, against Bangladesh. In August 2019, he became the third New Zealand bowler to reach 250 Test wickets during a series against Sri Lanka. His fielding is notable for one-handed diving catches with either hand.
Did You Know?
- Boult became the first bowler for New Zealand to take a hat-trick at the Cricket World Cup on June 29, 2019.
- In the 2020 IPL season with Mumbai Indians, Boult bowled four maiden overs, the most by any player in a single IPL season.
- Boult and Tim Southee have taken 46% of all wickets for New Zealand since 2013, forming one of the team's most successful opening partnerships.
- He was clocked as the fastest bowler on the New Zealand tour in February 2009, reaching a speed of 143.3 km/h (89.0 mph).
- Boult is the younger brother of cricketer Jono Boult and affiliates to the Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, and Ngāi Te Rangi iwi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Trent Boult?
He is a New Zealand left-arm fast-medium bowler born in Rotorua who represented his country from 2011 until May 2024. During the early stages of his career, he was also a prominent overseas pacer for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
What is Trent Boult's role on the field?
Primarily known for swinging the ball with his left arm, he acts as a frontline strike bowler to break partnerships early. He is also capable of contributing runs with the bat as a right-handed hitter when needed.
Is Trent Boult still playing international cricket?
No, he announced his retirement from all international formats after New Zealand's exit at the 2024 T20 World Cup in May. However, he continues to play actively in various domestic Twenty20 leagues around the world.
Why is Trent Boult considered a key figure in cricket history?
He helped New Zealand win the ICC World Test Championship and was part of two World Cup final squads as a runner-up. Notably, he became the first player from his nation to take a hat-trick during a Cricket World Cup tournament.
When did Trent Boult play for Chennai Super Kings?
He featured for the franchise during the 2014 and 2015 Indian Premier League seasons as a core overseas bowler. While he is no longer on the current roster, his performances remain a significant part of the team's historical records.