Left-arm seamer Thomas O'Connor delivered a sensational bowling performance in the sixth round of the Plunket Shield, guiding Otago Volts to a crucial victory over Auckland Aces inside three days at the Eden Park Outer Oval.

The 21-year-old, son of former New Zealand international Shayne O'Connor, claimed remarkable figures of 7 for 58 in the first innings and followed it up with 6 for 27 in the second, finishing with a stunning 13-wicket match haul.

Thomas’ first-innings performance is the best by an Otago bowler in the Plunket Shield since Neil Wagner took 7 for 46 against Wellington Firebirds during the 2011-12 season in Dunedin. His overall match figures are Otago’s best in the competition since the 1989-90 season and rank seventh-best in the team’s history.

In achieving the feat, Thomas also surpassed his father’s career-best first-class match figures of 12 for 122, recorded in the 1998-99 season.

Like his father, Thomas relies heavily on swing bowling. His action and ability to generate sharp inswingers closely resemble Shayne’s style. One such inswinger knocked over Auckland’s Harrish Kannan in the first innings, while another trapped Dale Phillips — the brother of Glenn Phillips — for just three runs in the second innings.

Despite having played only four first-class matches, Thomas showcased variety as well. Against left-hander Lachlan Stackpole, he produced a delivery that moved away from over the wicket, forcing an edge that was safely taken by wicketkeeper Max Chu.

Speaking after the match, Thomas credited his father’s advice for helping him maintain the right mindset.

“I think our actions are similar, people have told me that,” he said. “But the most important advice he’s given me is about the mental side — just enjoy it, have fun and appreciate being able to do a job we love.”

Thomas admitted the achievement would take time to fully sink in. “You don’t play for milestones, but it’s special to get one. Getting the win as well makes it even better,” he added.

While the younger O’Connor may have eclipsed his father’s best match figures, he played down any rivalry at home. “There’s not a lot of banter. He’s still ahead with international cricket and more wickets,” he said.

During Thomas’ record-breaking performance in Auckland, Shayne was officiating as a match referee in the third ODI between New Zealand national cricket team and Zimbabwe national cricket team in Dunedin. Shayne was promoted to the International Cricket Council International Panel of Match Referees last year.

As a player, Shayne was a formidable swing bowler for New Zealand between 1997 and 2001, taking 99 international wickets. He is particularly remembered for dismissing Steve Waugh for 96 with a yorker during the 1997 Perth Test at the WACA Ground.

Interestingly, veteran umpire Billy Bowden, who officiated in the recent Plunket Shield match, had also stood in the Shell Trophy game in 1999 when Shayne claimed his 12-wicket haul.

Thomas’ rise in domestic cricket has already caught attention. He has been signed as an overseas player by Leinster Lightning for the 2026 season and previously impressed against the touring West Indies cricket team in Lincoln last November, where he dismissed opener John Campbell.

With performances like this early in his career, Thomas O’Connor appears to have a bright future ahead in New Zealand cricket.