Mohammed Shami established himself as one of India’s most dependable fast bowlers in Test cricket, delivering important performances in challenging overseas conditions throughout his career. His record in New Zealand reflects the experience he gained while bowling on pitches that can offer movement and assistance to seamers.
The veteran Indian fast bowler announced his retirement from Test cricket on November 6, 2026, bringing the curtain down on a red-ball career spanning more than a decade.
Mohammed Shami’s Test record in New Zealand
Shami toured New Zealand for India’s 2014 Test series, featuring in both matches. Although India lost the two-Test series 1-0, the fast bowler gained valuable experience against a strong home side.
The right-arm pacer claimed 10 wickets across the two Tests played in New Zealand. His best innings figures on the tour were four wickets for 70 runs, recorded in the second Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
His ability to generate seam movement and maintain pressure made him an important part of India’s pace attack during the tour. However, New Zealand’s conditions also tested the Indian bowlers’ consistency, particularly when the hosts built substantial partnerships.
Shami’s best bowling figures in New Zealand
Shami’s most notable bowling performance on the 2014 tour came during the second Test in Wellington.
In New Zealand’s first innings, he picked up four wickets for 70 runs, helping India restrict the hosts. He followed that effort with two wickets for 149 runs in the second innings as New Zealand secured a draw in the match after declaring at 680/8.
In the opening Test at Eden Park, Auckland, Shami took one wicket for 95 runs in the first innings and three for 37 in the second. His second-innings spell demonstrated his ability to make an impact even when the match situation was challenging.
These performances underline the difference between taking wickets in helpful conditions and sustaining pressure across long spells in Test cricket.
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Shami’s overall Test career statistics
Shami made his Test debut against the West Indies at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 6, 2013. He made an immediate impression, taking four wickets in the first innings and five in the second to finish with match figures of nine for 118.
Over the course of his career, Shami played 64 Tests and collected 229 wickets at an average of 27.71. His best innings figures were six for 56 against Australia in Perth in 2018, while his best match figures were nine for 118 on debut.
He recorded six five-wicket hauls in Test cricket, showcasing his ability to produce decisive spells against different opponents and in varied conditions.
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