James Neesham Profile: Know Career Stats and Personal Life

James Neesham is a New Zealand cricketer and all-rounder who plays for the national team and in various T20 leagues worldwide. He made his Test debut against India, scoring an unbeaten 137 – the highest score on debut by a number 8 batsman. In his second Test, he scored another century against the West Indies, becoming the first New Zealander to score centuries in his first two Tests.

Neesham was in New Zealand’s squad for the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2019 Cricket World Cup, where he played his 50th ODI and took his first five-wicket haul against Afghanistan. He was part of the teams that finished runners-up in the 2019 World Cup and 2021 T20 World Cup. He scored 34 runs in one over against Sri Lanka in January 2019, setting a New Zealand record for most runs in an ODI over.

James Neesham Records and Achievements

In his first-class career, James Neesham began with Auckland and moved to Otago in the 2011–12 season, with three scores above 40 in seven innings. He also took notable wickets, including 5 for 44 against Wellington and 4 for 23 against Canterbury. His domestic performances earned him selection in New Zealand’s limited-overs squads.

In T20 leagues, Neesham featured in the Indian Premier League for Delhi Daredevils in 2014, the Caribbean Premier League for Guyana Amazon Warriors in 2014, and later for Kings XI Punjab (2020), Mumbai Indians (2021), and Rajasthan Royals (2022). In the Bangladesh Premier League, he won the title with Fortune Barishal in 2025 and played for Rajshahi Warriors in 2026.

Internationally, Neesham made a remarkable Test debut against India, scoring 137 not out, the highest score by a Test number 8 batsman. In his second Test against the West Indies, he became the first New Zealander to score centuries in his first two matches. 

He set an ODI record on 3 January 2019 by scoring 34 runs in one over against Sri Lanka, including five sixes. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he played his 50th ODI and took his first five-wicket haul. 

James Neesham Career Stats 

In Tests, James Neesham has played 12 matches, scoring 709 runs with 2 centuries and 4 fifties. In ODIs, he has 76 matches under his belt, scoring 1495 runs with 7 fifties. In T20Is, across 96 matches, he has 1033 runs. In first-class cricket, Neesham has 69 matches, 3374 runs, 5 centuries, and 18 fifties.

In Tests, Neesham has 14 wickets in 12 matches, with the best figures being 3/42. In ODIs, 71 wickets from 76 matches, including 2 four-wicket and 2 five-wicket hauls. In T20Is, 57 wickets from 96 matches, with 1 four-wicket and 1 five-wicket haul. In first-class cricket, he has taken 125 wickets in 69 matches, with 2 four-wicket and 2 five-wicket hauls.

James Neesham Personal Life

James Neesham is married to Alex Macleod-Smith, a former netball player and nurse from Auckland, New Zealand. They tied the knot in December 2022. Alex played netball for Mainland in the Beko Netball League and was named player of the year in 2016. She has also worked as a pediatric nurse and studied nursing at university. Neesham and Alex have been together since at least 2015, sharing their first picture as a couple on social media that year.

James Neesham Contract

James Neesham is currently uncontracted by New Zealand Cricket but remained in the squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup. He made himself available for all T20I series leading up to the tournament. Neesham recently impressed in domestic cricket, scoring a career-best 128 not out off 82 balls and taking 3/53 to help Auckland reach the Ford Trophy final.

FAQs

Q. What is James Neesham’s highest score on Test debut?

A. James Neesham scored an unbeaten 137 on his Test debut, the highest by a number 8 batsman.

Q. Which teams has Neesham played for in the IPL?

A. James Neesham has played for Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Mumbai Indians, and Rajasthan Royals.

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