After helping the BLACKCAPS sweep Bangladesh 3-0 during the recent ANZ Twenty20 series, Colin Munro and Ish Sodhi are set to compete in Australia’s Big Bash competition.
Munro became the third BLACKCAP to score a T20I century during the second ANZ Twenty20 and on the very same day he was announced as the Sydney Sixers latest import. Munro joins the Sixers after their English import Sam Billings was called up to the England setup.
Sodhi was involved during the final two matches against the Tigers, once again impressing in the shortest format of the game. The world took notice of the crafty leg-spinner during the 2016 ICC World Twenty20 in India, where Sodhi was one of the tournament’s top wicket takers.
The three-match series against Bangladesh was the first time the BLACKCAPS have played T20’s since the event in India, and Sodhi once again played a large role in the success of the New Zealand side. The Adelaide Strikers are the latest team to take notice, signing Sodhi after Englishman Chris Jordan picked up a hamstring injury.
The duo will join Brendon McCullum as New Zealand’s representation playing in the Big Bash, but both will be attempting to catch McCullum’s Brisbane Heat, as they currently top the standings. Stephen Fleming is one of two former BLACKCAPS coaching a Big Bash side, with the former left-hander leading the Melbourne Stars, while Daniel Vettori oversees the table topping Heat.
The Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat are only separated on run rate, meaning McCullum and Vettori will face extra pressure after Munro’s arrival in Sydney.
Munro and Sodhi will have an opportunity to both gain experience in Australian conditions, but also have a chance to scout the Australian talent ahead of the BLACKCAPS next white ball challenge. The BLACKAPS have two Test matches against Bangladesh, before they will attempt to take back the Chappell-Hadlee trophy, beginning a three-match series at Eden Park on January 30th.
