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William Peter O'Rourke, born on August 6, 2001, is a New Zealand cricketer known for his pace and bounce. A right-arm fast bowler, he represents Canterbury in domestic cricket and made his international debut for New Zealand in December 2023.
O'Rourke was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, but his family relocated to New Zealand when he was around five years old, settling in Auckland. Cricket was a major part of his upbringing, with his father, Paddy O'Rourke, having played first-class cricket for Wellington. He progressed through Auckland’s age-group teams before moving to the South Island to study at the University of Canterbury.
After impressing at club level, O'Rourke earned a place in Canterbury’s squad, making his List A, T20, and first-class debuts during the 2021–22 season. He quickly established himself as a key bowler, finishing as Canterbury’s highest wicket-taker in multiple domestic competitions. His performances in the Super Smash and Ford Trophy showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, including a standout six-wicket haul in the 2023–24 season, the second-best figures by a Canterbury bowler in List A cricket.
O'Rourke was first called up to New Zealand’s ODI squad in late 2023, making his debut against Bangladesh. In early 2024, he earned a spot in the Test squad against South Africa and made an immediate impact, taking a remarkable nine wickets in his debut match—the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut.
Standing tall at 1.97 meters (6 feet 6 inches), O'Rourke generates extra bounce, making him a difficult proposition for batters. Capable of bowling at speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph), he has drawn comparisons to Kyle Jamieson and has worked alongside him to refine his skills.
With a strong domestic record and an impressive start to his international career, O'Rourke is emerging as a key figure in New Zealand’s pace attack, promising to be a formidable force in years to come.
O'Rourke was born in Kingston upon Thames, London, but his family relocated to New Zealand when he was around five years old, settling in Auckland. Cricket was a major part of his upbringing, with his father, Paddy O'Rourke, having played first-class cricket for Wellington. He progressed through Auckland’s age-group teams before moving to the South Island to study at the University of Canterbury.
After impressing at club level, O'Rourke earned a place in Canterbury’s squad, making his List A, T20, and first-class debuts during the 2021–22 season. He quickly established himself as a key bowler, finishing as Canterbury’s highest wicket-taker in multiple domestic competitions. His performances in the Super Smash and Ford Trophy showcased his ability to deliver under pressure, including a standout six-wicket haul in the 2023–24 season, the second-best figures by a Canterbury bowler in List A cricket.
O'Rourke was first called up to New Zealand’s ODI squad in late 2023, making his debut against Bangladesh. In early 2024, he earned a spot in the Test squad against South Africa and made an immediate impact, taking a remarkable nine wickets in his debut match—the best match figures by a New Zealander on Test debut.
Standing tall at 1.97 meters (6 feet 6 inches), O'Rourke generates extra bounce, making him a difficult proposition for batters. Capable of bowling at speeds of 150 km/h (93 mph), he has drawn comparisons to Kyle Jamieson and has worked alongside him to refine his skills.
With a strong domestic record and an impressive start to his international career, O'Rourke is emerging as a key figure in New Zealand’s pace attack, promising to be a formidable force in years to come.
