DURHAM have signed New Zealand international Jimmy Neesham for this summer’s Vitality Blast campaign.
A proven performer closing in on 300 T20 appearances, Neesham will provide a depth of experience with both bat and ball, having scored more than 4,000 runs and taken almost 250 wickets in the shortest format.
A destructive middle-order batter with 83 international T20 appearances, the 34-year-old is approaching 1,000 T20 runs for his nation with a strike rate of above 150, hitting a best of 48 not out from just 24 deliveries against the West Indies in 2020.
The New Zealander made his Test debut in 2014, scoring an unbeaten 137 against India and has gone on to make 12 Test appearances in addition to 76 ODI outings for the Black Caps.
“I am really looking forward to playing for Durham this summer,” said Neesham. “The Vitality Blast is one my favourite competitions and I have heard good things about the Durham squad. I look forward to getting stuck in with the lads in a few weeks.”
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Neesham is well-known on the franchise circuit having had spells with Mumbai Indians, Hobart Hurricanes and Pretoria Capitals as well as striking an unbeaten 97 from 49 balls for Rangpur Riders in the BPL.
A reliable bowler at the death and in the middle overs, the Auckland-born all-rounder recently took career best figures of 5-22 in New Zealand’s series victory against Pakistan as he nears 50 IT20 wickets.
He is no stranger to the Vitality Blast having represented Leicestershire in 2024 in addition to Essex, Derbyshire, Kent and Northamptonshire previously. He was also part of the victorious Oval Invincibles side in the 2023 edition of the Hundred.
“Jimmy is an experienced international T20 all-rounder with a proven track record of delivering performances for New Zealand and in franchise competitions around the world,” said Durham director of cricket Marcus North.
“His ability to influence games either with the bat or ball provides us with a proven match-winner.”
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