Colin Munro is 'potentially still an option' for T20 World Cup 2024, confirms New Zealand selection manager
Published - 04 Apr 2024, 10:48 AM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 01:09 AM
Veteran opener Colin Munro remains a potential choice for the Black Caps’ squad in the 2024 T20 World Cup. New Zealand selection manager Sam Wells stated that Colin Munro is still “potentially an option” despite his absence from the national team.
The 37-year-old batter’s last appearance for New Zealand was in 2020. However, he has demonstrated his skills in T20 leagues globally, leading to his consideration for the shorter-format World Cup, set to commence on June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA.
Munro showcased his batting prowess with Islamabad United in the recent edition of the Pakistan Super League, securing the sixth position in run-scoring. He holds the seventh-highest total runs among all players in the history of the Caribbean Premier League.
On Wednesday, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) unveiled a 15-man squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan, notable for the absence of key players who declined selection due to their commitments in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL).
We Got In Touch With Colin Munro – Sam Wells
Sam Wells revealed that Colin Munro declined the call-up for the upcoming T20I series in Pakistan. However, Wells emphasized that Munro remains a potential option for selection for the ICC tournament.
“We got in touch with Colin. He’s obviously been in fine form for the last few years in various competitions around the world and, in particular, has an excellent record in the Caribbean Premier League. He made himself unavailable for this tour but he’s potentially still an option,” Wells said, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.
Munro holds an impressive record in the CPL as the highest run-scorer among overseas players. Across seven seasons, he amassed 2353 runs, representing both the Trinbago Knight Riders and St Lucia Kings, with an average of 35.65 and a striking rate of 128.86.
Munro maintains an excellent T20I record despite not playing for New Zealand since losing his central contract in 2020. He averaged 31.34 with a strike rate of 156.44 in 65 matches. He openly expressed disappointment at missing selection for the 2021 T20 World Cup.
Colin Munro Is Still An Option For Us – Sam Wells
Sam Wells indicated that Munro remains a potential choice, especially in the event of injuries to similar players, given the solid top-order lineup in T20Is featuring players like Finn Allen, Devon Conway, and Rachin Ravindra.
“I don’t think it takes a rocket scientist to work out that our top order is relatively settled. But if anything were to happen with injuries and what-not, he’s still an option for us,” Wells added.
Colin Munro has scored 1724 runs in 62 innings at an impressive average of 31.34 and a strike rate of 156.44. The southpaw has recorded three centuries and 11 half-centuries throughout his international career in the shorter format of the game.
New Zealand’s campaign in the World Cup will begin on June 8 against Afghanistan, followed by matches against the West Indies, Uganda, and Papua New Guinea at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. All four matches will be played at spinner-friendly venues.
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Colin Munro ICC T20 World Cup 2024 New Zealand national cricket team Sam Wells Hallyburton Johnstone Shield The Ford Trophy Auckland Aces Otago Volts Northern Districts Wellington Firebirds Canterbury Kings Central Stags New Zealand Under-19s
