Rain disrupted the occasion in Mount Maunganui, as once the second T20I between New Zealand and Australia got underway, rain again played a spoilsport after 2.1 overs of the game. The spotlight was firmly on Ish Sodhi. The leg-spinner, known for his flair and consistency, scripted history by becoming New Zealand’s most capped T20I player, overtaking Tim Southee’s record. For someone who has long been the Black Caps’ trusted spinner in the shortest format, the milestone was a fitting tribute to his endurance and influence.

Sodhi’s record-setting appearance also served as a reminder of New Zealand’s most enduring figures in T20 cricket. Over the years, the Kiwis have produced many stars, but only a handful have combined longevity with impact at the international level. Here’s a closer look at the five players with the most T20I appearances for New Zealand, with Sodhi now leading the list.

Top 5 players with most T20Is matches for New Zealand

5. Ross Taylor: 102 matches

Ross Taylor might be best known for his stellar contributions in ODIs and Tests, but his name also holds significance in New Zealand’s T20I journey. Featuring in 102 matches from 2006 until his retirement in 2020, Taylor accumulated 1,909 runs at an average of 26.15. While he may not have been the archetypal slogger associated with modern T20 hitting, Taylor fulfilled the invaluable role of an anchor. He steadied innings when New Zealand were under pressure and accelerated later with his powerful strokes.

His highest T20I score of 63 and seven half-centuries underline his reliability in the middle order. In addition to his batting, Taylor was sharp in the field, latching onto 46 catches across formats. His ability to bridge generations—playing alongside the likes of Daniel Vettori in his early days and later mentoring younger stars—highlights how important he was to New Zealand cricket during a transitional era.

4. Martin Guptill: 122 matches

Few players embody New Zealand’s attacking intent in T20Is more than Martin Guptill. The explosive opener made his debut in 2009 and went on to feature in 122 games until 2022, collecting an eye-catching 3,531 runs at an average of 31.81. Known for his brutality in the powerplay, Guptill regularly dismantled new-ball attacks with his clean striking, particularly down the ground and over square leg.

He scored two centuries and 20 fifties in the format, often setting platforms for New Zealand to chase or post competitive totals. His 68 sixes in international T20 cricket for New Zealand remain a testament to his fearless mastery of power-hitting. More than just numbers, Guptill gave fans countless thrilling moments, including iconic innings in global tournaments. He remains one of the finest openers New Zealand has ever produced in the shortest format.

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3. Mitchell Santner: 114 matches

Often recognized as a calm and composed figure on the field, Mitchell Santner has been a consistent presence for New Zealand in T20Is since his debut. Playing 114 matches, the left-arm spinner has successfully combined accuracy with subtle variations, making him valuable on a variety of pitches. While primarily noted for his bowling, Santner also chipped in effectively with the bat lower down the order, delivering crucial runs in pressure situations.

His ability to strangle runs in the middle overs and break crucial partnerships has made him a go-to option for Kiwi captains. Beyond the scoreboard impact, Santner’s control under pressure and utility as a multi-dimensional cricketer have been vital in maintaining balance in the BlackCaps T20 side. His all-round contributions explain why he has been one of the first names on the team sheet for nearly a decade.

2. Tim Southee: 126 matches

Southee’s record in T20Is for New Zealand mirrors his overall international career—longevity matched with vast effectiveness. Since his debut in 2008, the right-arm pacer has played 126 matches, claiming 164 wickets, including a best of 5/18. His ability to swing the new ball made him one of the most dangerous bowlers in the powerplay, while his deft variations allowed him to thrive at the death.

Southee’s wicket-taking knack was balanced by an impressive economy rate, and his 65 outfield catches also underscored his agility and all-round value. Importantly, Southee was not just about statistics; he often delivered in big moments, dismantling top orders or curbing oppositions in tight finishes. He also showcased his batting ability in cameos, accumulating 303 runs with a strike rate that highlighted his lower-order hitting potential. Southee’s consistency has made him one of the most respected figures in global T20 cricket.

1. Ish Sodhi: 127 matches and counting

At the top of the list, Sodhi now reigns supreme as New Zealand’s most capped T20I cricketer. Since his debut in 2014, the leg-spinner has carved his niche as a dependable middle-overs weapon for the Black Caps. Across 127 matches, he has bagged 150 wickets at an average of 22.52, with his best figures being 4/12.

What makes Sodhi exceptional is his adaptability. On flat tracks he contains scoring, while on turning surfaces he becomes an attacking option capable of running through batting line-ups. His well-disguised googly and confidence in flighting the ball have troubled countless top-order batters across formats. Beyond numbers, Sodhi’s durability and ability to perform under pressure sum up why he has become such a vital cog in the New Zealand setup. His achievement of surpassing Southee highlights not just his skill but the trust successive New Zealand teams have placed in him.

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