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Ish Sodhi goes past Tim Southee: Players with most T20I matches for New Zealand

Jatin

Ish Sodhi is now New Zealand's most capped T20I player [Source: @Kiwiscricketfan/x.com]Ish Sodhi is now New Zealand's most capped T20I player [Source: @Kiwiscricketfan/x.com]

Rain threatened to spoil the party in Mount Maunganui, but when the second T20I between New Zealand and Australia finally got underway, it was all about Ish Sodhi. The leg-spinner became the most capped men's T20I player for the BlackCaps, going past Tim Southee's tally.

It is a big feather in the cap for someone who has been the go-to spinner for New Zealand in the shortest format. And with that landmark, let's take a look at the top five players with the most T20I appearances for New Zealand.

5. Ross Taylor: 102 matches

Ross Taylor might be famous more for his ODI and Test exploits, but his T20I record shows just how important he was to New Zealand in the early years of the format. From 2006 to 2020, Taylor featured in 102 T20Is and scored 1,909 runs at an average of 26.15.

He wasn't a slogger but rather the anchor who held innings together when quick wickets fell and exploded once he was settled. With seven fifties and a highest score of 63, Taylor gave the Kiwi middle order stability. He also added immense value in the field with 46 catches. For a player who bridged eras, Taylor's contribution to New Zealand T20 cricket was immense.

4. Mitchell Santner: 114 matches

Mitchell Santner is usually the first name that pops up in the mind. The right-hander smashed 3,531 runs in 122 matches at an average of 31.81 with two hundreds and 20 fifties. Guptill was the ultimate powerplay destroyer, the kind of opener who could clear the ropes from ball one.

He finished his career with 68 sixes and countless memories of long levers sending the ball into the stands. From the 2009 debut to his last game in 2022, Guptill carried the torch for Kiwi batting and left behind numbers that will take some chasing.

3. Martin Guptill: 122 matches

When you think of New Zealand’s batting in T20Is, Martin Guptill is usually the first name that pops up in the mind. The right-hander smashed 3,531 runs in 122 matches at an average of 31.81 with two hundreds and 20 fifties. Guptill was the ultimate powerplay destroyer, the kind of opener who could clear the ropes from ball one.

He finished his career with 68 sixes and countless memories of long levers sending the ball into the stands. From the 2009 debut to his last game in 2022, Guptill carried the torch for Kiwi batting and left behind numbers that will take some chasing.

2. Tim Southee: 126 matches

Next up on the list is Tim Southee, the long-serving pacer who was as dependable with the new ball as he was at the death. Southee's T20I journey began way back in 2008, and over the years, he became New Zealand's bowling spearhead in the format. With 126 games under his belt, Southee picked up 164 wickets, including a best of 5/18.

His economy rate and strike rate reflect his knack for striking at crucial moments, often breaking dangerous partnerships with the new ball. He also chipped in with the bat, scoring 303 runs and showing he could swing more than just the ball. Southee's 65 catches underline his value in the field too, proving he was the complete package for over a decade and a half.

1. Ish Sodhi: 127 matches and counting

And now at the top sits Ish Sodhi, who overtook Southee in the Mount Maunganui clash against Australia. Debuting in 2014, Sodhi has been the leg-spin option New Zealand have leaned on in T20 cricket, especially on turning tracks where his googly and variations make him a handful. Across 127 matches, he has grabbed 150 wickets at an average of 22.52 with a best of 4/12.

Sodhi's ability to outfox batters in the middle overs has been priceless, and his consistency is what has kept him in the side across generations. What stands out is his adaptability; be it containing in high-scoring games or running through sides when the pitch helps. Becoming the most capped Kiwi in T20Is is proof of Sodhi's importance in the BlackCaps setup.